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May 22, 2025 MeetingMy Life as a US Secret Service AgentJoin Rotary this week, and we'll hear from David Dobb, a US Secret Service agent out of the Grand Rapids office, about life as a US Secret Service Agent. It will be a very interesting program! |
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May 15, 2025 MeetingOttawa County Land BankCheryl Clarke, Ottawa County Treasurer, will talk about the land bank. |
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No Meeting on May 8, 2025 No Rotary Meeting this week. Enjoy Tulip Time. Next week we are back at the Yacht Club for our meetings.
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Last Week at Rotary - May 15, 2025Ottawa County Treasurer
Because the county needs to provide transparency and keep money in escrow, there are 34 county bank accounts and 20 road commission bank accounts. Money that is not required immediately can be invested in very safe investments. The county received $4 million in investment returns last year, about a 3.8% return. The county reimburses the local governing units for any taxes not paid and then attempts to collect those taxes. There may also be times when too much tax was charged, and the county treasurer will return money to the taxpayer. The treasurer makes every attempt to work out a payment plan with property owners who cannot pay all of their taxes. They may extend payment to as long as 5 years and waive any interest. The municipalities must authorize the county to make payment arrangements. Foreclosed properties that do not sell at a tax auction are placed into the Ottawa County Land Bank. These properties often have problems, such as contamination. The county works to remediate these properties and eventually sell them. The board of the Land Bank is made up of government officials, non-profit representatives, and citizens. The original purpose of requiring dog licenses was to compensate farmers for the loss of livestock bitten by rabid dogs. The current concern is more about people being bitten by rabid dogs! |
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Last Week at Rotary - May 1, 2025Rotary Club of Holland Committee ReportsYouth ServicesThe youth services committee reported on the following programs.
Fund RaisingThe first oriental food cookoff went well and planning continues for the pickleball tournament. We have met our goals with Rotary International and can participate in district and global grants. |
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Last Week at Rotary - April 24, 2025Rotary Club of Holland Annual Club Assembly   New officers were elected, and incoming president Ed Swart presented highlights of a recent survey of the club.
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May 1, 2025 MeetingWhat has Holland Rotary Accomplished?We will hear from our Youth Services, Fundraising, and Community Service committees on what has been done, what is planned, and how you can help. |
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April 24, 2025 MeetingAnnual Club AssemblyWe will elect officers and hear from our committees at our annual assembly. A quorum for voting requires one-third of the active membership.
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April 12, 2025 Highway Cleanup |
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Challenged Students Lunch 20252025 Annual West Ottawa Challenged Student LunchThe April 17 meeting will be at Lakewood School, 2134 W. LAKEWOOD BLVD. HOLLAND, MI 49424 The school will be ready for us to start by noon. An early start may help some students with limited attention spans. This lunch is a real highlight for them. Staff and students are excited to have us in the school on that one special day each year. There has been a bit of a tradition that Rotarians help with supplies like Kleenex, Play-Doh, Pop-its, fidgets, toys, puzzles, Velcro dots, markers, cleaning wipes, etc. We are happy to continue to receive those. |
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Last Week at Rotary - April 10, 2025First Tee of West Michigan Jeff Keyser (shown with club president Kathy) grew up in northern Michigan, earned a business degree at Hope College, worked for Herman Miller, and became aware of the First Tee Program. He became the first Holland area director. First Tee has just hired its second employee to support the growing program. In 2024, they had 365 students participating in the program. 150 of these were given full scholarships. 37% were female and 40% were students of color.First Tee collaborates with several other youth organizations in the area to offer special outings for their students. The game of golf (including mini-golf and other creative forms like soccer golf, target golf, cornhole golf) influences students toward the following goals.
First Tee employs junior coaches, who are 14-17 years old. They must create a resume, go through a job interview, and receive financial counseling if hired. In addition to the approximately 10 junior coaches, there are 65 adult volunteers in the program. Each class is 6 weeks in length and costs $90. Globally, there are 150 chapters of First Tee, mostly in North America. |
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April 10, 2025 MeetingFirst Tee of West MichiganThe First Tee is an international youth development organization that introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. In 2024, First Tee enrolled 365 Holland area youth in its programming. Jeff Keyser, the Holland Area Director, will be with us to discuss the organization. |
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Last Week at Rotary - April 3, 2025President-Elect Learning SeminarEd Swart attended the 7 district learning seminar. The districts comprise the Great Lakes region and parts of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ontario. This year took a new format and had fewer people talking and more interactive learning. Ed thought being able to work with peers was helpful. Some of the things Ed learned were: the new Rotary International president will be the first president who was a Rotary Youth Exchange student, the international membership numbers are steady but up in Asian and Africa and down in the rest of the world, and our district is looking to change the format of the District Governer visits. The international leadership plan to create and maintain vibrant clubs was a focus. The four areas of the plan are Impact, Reach, Engage, and Adapt. |
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Last Week at Rotary - March 20,2025Holland Township Community CenterDarrin Duistermars (Directory of Recreation) and Ben Bekius (Community Center Director) presented on Holland Charter Township recreation. Darrin presented the broad goals of Holland Township, which are
Parks in the township are well utilized. Dunton park received 100,000 visitors, Quincy 243,000 visitors, and Helder 343,000 visitors. Ben is the newly hired director of the center, which will be completed in May and hopefully open for use in June. He previously worked for Dick's Sporting Goods in multiple positions. The emphasis of the center is on recreation for all ages. It will be the first membership facility in Holland Township. There is a full-sized basketball court, 6 pickleball courts with a dedicated pickleball surface, multi-purpose rooms, a walking track, and a fitness room with both cardio and strength training. The pickleball courts will have open play, can be rented for private use, be used for leagues, will have instructional times, and may host tournaments. There is also a large meeting room with a separate outside access. |
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Last Week at Rotary - March 13, 2025What Do Super Communicators Do? Mari Martin spoke on Super Communicators, based on a book by the same name that she admires by Charles Duhigg.Super communicators excel at reading the room. They smile and laugh more, make eye contact, actively listen, and ask lots of questions, talk so you can see their teeth, and mirror back keywords to their conversation partner/group (looping). They send a message of confidence, caring, and energy. They have a warm and rich tone to their voices and project enthusiasm through tone, pace change, and word emphasis. We want to sync with others and often excel when we do. Group activities such as good conversations, group singing, sports, etc. help us sync with others. |
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March 20, 2025 MeetingNew Holland Township Community CenterDarrin Duistermars and Steve Bulthus will be with us to talk about the new community center opening this year. |
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Last Week at Rotary - March 6,2025HANWASH Providing clean water is one of Rotary's major goals. Rotary has started one of the major Water, Sanitation, and Health (WASH) projects in Haiti. It is known as HANWASH, and our district (6290) has been working with this project since the pilot. Some of the challenges include the following: Haiti receives less rainfall than the Dominican Republic on the other side of the island, Half of the water infrastructure is non-functional, Frequent earthquakes move underground water sources and destroy pumping equipment, and there is little data gathering about where water exists or where it is needed. Our district has partnered with the commune (like a county) of Terre-Neuve. The Haitian Rotarians are working to produce community action plans for the water distribution. The World Bank did geologic surveys in this area but cancelled their project in 2017. Our engineering firm has been working with this data that showed 6 possible drilling sites. However, there are only 2 viable sites at this time. We are hoping to start the drilling on one of these sites soon. Drilling must be done slowly to make sure the water deposit is not breached by the drill and the water escapes. Gangs control the area around where drilling will be done, so some method must be devised to get equipment past the gangs. The location is remote, and if water is found, there will need to be a plan for transporting it to the population centers. |
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March 13, 2025 MeetingWhat Do Super Communicators Do?Mari Martin will talk about communication. |
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Last Week at Rotary - February 27, 2025Tulip Time 2025 The Tulip Time Festival, organized by a non-profit organization, will celebrate its 96th year this year. Dutch Dancing, introduced 90 years ago, will feature 900 dancers participating in the festival.The Tulip Time staff attended the World Tulip Festival in the Netherlands last year. They met with dancers, growers, and others to get ideas for future festivals. Modifications to the festival include extending it to 10 days and reducing the length of the Saturday parade route. Additionally, new VIP bus tours operated by Tulip Time will transport visitors to various locations. The usual concerts, artisan market, Dutch Dance, parades, fireworks, and more will take place. The Holland Rotary Clubs have helped with bleacher seating during the Parades for many years. Rotarians welcome tour groups, help them find their seats, and entertain them before the parade. About 20 people are needed for each parade. Non-Rotarians are welcome to help, also. Register to volunteer here. |
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March 6, 2025 MeetingRotary Water, Sanitation, and HygieneThrough water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change. |
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Last Week at Rotary February 20, 2025Club InformationKathy DeVries began the presentation by drawing an analogy between the two sides of a coin and a Club. The head side represents the fellowship and face time that we enjoy, while the tail symbolizes the hard work and service we perform. This presentation focused on the head side and what needs to be done to continue meeting Ed Swart has agreed to do an encore performance and serve as our president for the 2025/26 Rotary year. We still need someone to follow Ed as president, a club administrator, and one board of directors member. The program committee is re-energized, but will always accept more members. Jim Crozier of the membership committee talked last month about what help they need. Ed presented his plans for the upcoming Rotary year, emphasizing that the President's role is to eliminate obstacles hindering the committees' effectiveness. He stressed the importance of adapting to the evolving environment. With fewer members required to attend by employers, it is evident that Rotarians are individuals committed to serving. As part of the preparation for the upcoming year, Ed would like all members of our club to participate in the strategic planning survey offered by our district. This survey is based on the international Rotary Action Plan. The survey is available online, and assistance will be provided at the meeting next week Kathy asked for ideas for improvement from the club, and these ideas were offered.
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February 27, 2025 MeetingTulip Time Update 2025Believe it or not, spring is around the corner, and so is Tulip Time 2025. Learn all about Tulip Time 2025 from Chad Mesbergen and Brittany Genova, including what is new and how to Volunteer. |
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Last Week at Rotary - February 13, 2025Peter Stuursma  Peter Stuursma has been the head football coach at Hope College for 7 seasons with a 54-17 record. He has 5 full-time and 7 part-time coaches that work with him. This past season there were 124 players on the roster.Their 2024 season record was 11-1. The one loss came in the national championship playoffs against North Central, the 2024 national champion. Coach Stuursma says the team practices daily throughout the season and everyone knows their goal. During a game, every play is designed to score. He says during a game "I just call timeouts". Division 3 players are involved in a sport because they love to play, but after college, they do really great things. "Leadership is difficult, serving is challenging", but this is what is expected of the team. Leadership takes time and work. You need friends who will be honest in their critiques. Leaders deal with
The team slogan for the past season was "Show Up!". Peter also believes that culture matters. His players are expected to say thank you, to introduce themselves, and to serve others. When the team arrives on campus, the upperclassmen are expected to serve by helping the freshmen move into the dorms. |
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February 20, 2025 MeetingAnnual Club AssemblyWe will elect president-elect, secretary, treasurer, sergeant-at-arms, and new board members. We will also hear about club activities.
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Last Week at Rotary - February 6, 2025Joel Olsmats Our Rotary Youth Exchange student is from Uppsala, located north of Stockholm. His siblings consist of an older sister and his twin sister. The secondary school he attended at home was founded in 1246. School schedules are more like our college schedules. Classes vary in length and don't meet every day. There can be free time in between classes and students walk around town. Students start learning English at age 6 and pick a third language to study at age 12. There are entrance examinations to attend secondary schools and each school has an academic or vocational focus. Every student with greater than 80% attendance is given the equivalent of $185 monthly. After completing secondary school, every student must serve one year in the military.Joel is very active with scouting in Sweden and has joined a scouting troop here. His favorite scouting activity so far is attending an international scouting jamboree in South Korea, where more than 200 countries were represented. Sweden is 80% forest land and outdoor activities are beloved. Sweden is unique in that it has a "right to roam" law that allows hiking and camping on all lands, public or private. His scout group does lots of hiking, camping, and sailing. Families in Sweden have a "summer house" that is quite primitive. Joel's house was built by his great-grandparents and has no plumbing or insulation. His entire extended family gathers at the house, especially at the end of summer where they share a traditional crayfish dinner. Some well-known Swedish foods in addition to crayfish are meatballs, lingonberry jam, blood sausage, and saffron buns. Unique Swedish celebrations include St Lucia Day marking the middle of winter and the Midsummer celebration where dancing around Maypoles is the main festivity. |
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February 13, 2025 MeetingHope College Football SeasonHope College football coach Peter Stuursma will be with us to talk about the team making it to the national playoff. |
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The 2025 Great Rotary Asian Noodle CookoffThe Great Rotary Asian Noodle CookoffSome of the dancers at the fundraiser.    The heads of the 3 Holland Area Rotary Clubs with our MC for the evening. |
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Online Silent Auction Ending Feb 1, 2025In Person Tickets Are Sold Out, Online Auction is Available You can bid on the silent auction using this link The Great Rotary Asian Noodle Cookoff
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February 6, 2025 MeetingRotary Youth Exchange Student from SwedenJoel Olsmats is our exchange student from Sweden this year and he will give a presentation on Sweden and what he has experienced here in Holland so far. |
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Last Week at Rotary - January 30,2025Club CommitteesThe membership committee presented their work. We were challenged to invite friends to meetings and service projects. We were told that in order to feel comfortable talking to our friends about Rotary, we should have an "elevator speech." There were a few examples of things you might say. The main idea is that Rotary exists to "unite and take action." It is important that you follow up with the people you invite. The membership committee is looking for volunteers to help with new members. The book house project is looking for an additional place to store donated books. Herrick District Library has given us space now that the remodeling is complete. However, we have more books than can fit. Catherine Ristola Bass is moving up to work with Rotary Youth Exchange students at the district level. This leaves an opening at our club to replace Catherine. This position involves clerical and administrative duties involved with the exchange students. |
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January 30, 2025 MeetingClub Committee MeetingsThe service work of Rotary Clubs is done through its committees. Our board of directors decided to set aside a meeting where we can eat lunch, learn about committee opportunities, and have time to meet as committees. If you are already on a committee, you can meet with that committee. If you are interested in serving on a committee, you can get together and find out more about the service activities being planned. |
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Last Week at Rotary - January 23, 2025Rotary Youth Exchange ReportDee Rumpsa, our current outbound exchange student, video chatted from her home in Argentina. She arrived in September just two days before she had to start school. She worked hard to learn Spanish and felt that by December, she understood everything in school. She is still learning Spanish and has a great time with her host family. Her host family has 3 daughters, all in their 20s. She will be moving to her second host family in March. It is currently summer break from school and she went on a trip to southern Argentina with about 20 other Rotary exchange students. She got to see penguins and whales close up. There is one other Rotary exchange student from Belgium in her town. She joined a soccer club when she arrived and has been enjoying playing. There are some differences between her school in Argentina and her US school. The teachers expect to be called by their first names and are very close friends with their students. The school meets from 7 until 3 every day, but there are only 4 classes each day. There is plenty of time to complete class assignments in school and it is not expected that students will need to do any schoolwork at home. The classes are different depending on the day of the week so that there are the same number of classes overall as here. Her favorite things so far are eating different foods and going to lots of parties. She especially loves empanadas. It took a bit of getting used to eating dinner around 9-10 PM. Brisa Sanchez Vasquez also joined from college via video chat. She talked about looking back at her year in Taiwan as an exchange student. She reflected that being an exchange student gave her confidence, skills, and international connections. In fact, she did an internship in Taiwan last summer because of her connections. Etta Leedy will be going on an exchange year starting in the fall. At the meeting, she learned that she will be going to Japan. |
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January 23, 2025 MeetingRotary Youth ExchangeWe will video chat with our current outbound exchange student, Dee Rumpsa, from Argentina. Also, some of our previous students will join us from their respective colleges. And there is even more! We will find out where our next year's exchange student will be headed. |
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Last Week at Rotary - January 9, 2025Corewell Health Blue EnvelopeThe name for this suicide prevention program comes from a common medical code word. When a medical professional wants help with a patient experiencing suicidal thoughts, they will ask a colleague for information from the blue envelope. The program's main belief is that suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility. However, it ensures no one is alone because multiple responders are trained. Resources are provided and a seamless transition of care is provided. Preventative conversations and early interventions can provide the help that is needed. The core of the program is the acronym SAFE.
The program started at Corewell hospitals by teaching doctors and their office staff. It then expanded to home healthcare workers and all hospital employees. High schools and middle schools were next to have the program. A year later, it expanded to elementary schools and then colleges. Teachers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and anyone who regularly has conversations with students is trained. Training is continuing and statistics (but not any personal information) are shared widely between participants in each county.
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January 9, 2024 MeetingCorewell Health Blue Envelope ProgramJoin us for Rotary on January 9th. Our topic /speaker is from the Corwell Health Blue Envelope program, which helps students in colleges and schools deal with thoughts of Suicide. Joy Sprague is the Program Manager for Suicide Prevention with Corwell Health. |
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Last Week at Rotary - December 19, 2024 |
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Happy Holidays 2024/2025 No meetings on December 26 and January 2. See you next on January 9 at Macatawa Legends.
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December 12, 2024 MeetingRotary Youth Exchange Student from SwedenJoel Olsmats is our exchange student from Sweden this year and he will give a presentation on Sweden and what he has experienced here in Holland so far. |
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Last Week at Rotary - November 21, 2024Rotary Club of Holland Committee ReportsMembership Committee - Russ suggested that as we are involved in other organizations in the community we should be looking for people to invite to Rotary. Gary gives a new member orientation to people interested in joining. Fundraising—All of our fundraising efforts put money into our charity accounts. The Paddlefest 2025 pickleball tournament is close to picking a date. After that, the recruiting of people to compete and sponsor will begin. On February 1st, there is a noddle dinner fundraiser. We may also repeat a photo contest. Youth - We have our exchange student Joel from Sweden here and Dee is in Argentina. The Interact Club at West Ottawa is doing well and the Holland High Interact is getting started. Corpus Christi has a middle school service club formed by our leader's program graduates. High school seniors from West Ottawa and Holland Christian attend our meetings. Continuing the Challenged Students luncheon at West Ottawa is under consideration. Thoughts on this are welcome. Community Service - The highway cleanup continues with the support of non-Rotarians. Our collection for Community Action House today was more than $2,000. Mike believes that is the highest ever. The Salvation Army Bell Ringing schedule is nearly full. Our joint Holland Area Rotary club projects of Leaders for the 21st Century and Heartsafe Holland continue. The little bookhouses are built, repaired, and kept full of books. Hopefully, Herrick District Library will again be able to store books when the renovation is complete. International - We are planning for our Ugandan Rotarian partners to visit us next March. We just received a grant for our district's work in Haiti. |
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November 28, 2024 Happy ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving - No MeetingMike Moraw reports that we collected more than $2,000 for Community Action House last week. Thanks to all who donated.
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Last Week at Rotary - November 14, 2024State of the City of Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks gave his annual update. He started by reminding us that the Mayor is only one of the city council members and the council has only one employee, the city manager. All of the city employees work for the manager. There are no party affiliations for any member of the city council and they are only allowed to discuss issues under their direct control. The population of the city is around 34,000 people but 140,000 people live in the Holland area.The city has a $30 million capital improvement budget, but there are $88.7 million worth of projects this year. This is achieved by leveraging public donations and state and federal matching money. The mayor detailed these projects.
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Last Week at Rotary - November 7, 2024National Association of Realtors settlement of the class action lawsuit Real Estate agents must be licensed by the state after passing the licensing examination. They must work for at least 3 years at a firm under a broker before they are eligible to work independently. Sellers of residential real estate must be members of local, state, and national Realtors organizations. These organizations create and enforce ethical guidelines for their members. They have been instrumental in helping the government create fair housing laws. Laws for selling residential real estate have varied between the states. In Michigan real estate agents are required to work on commission.Realtors in the past would tell buyers/sellers that their commissions were fixed and non-negotiable. If a Realtor sold a house where the seller didn't have an agent, they would make double the commission. In reality seller's agents would publish the commission they were willing to pay the buyer's agent. Buyer's agents would show the houses where they would make the highest commission. Because of these practices, a class action lawsuit was filed alleging anti-trust violations, unethical behavior, and price fixing. The Settlement |
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Last Week at Rotary - October 31, 2024We had no formal speaker, we just heard stories from our members. World traveler and mountain climber Rudy Vedovell told stories about climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. He also talked about meeting whales while crossing the Pacific in a 27-foot sailboat. Some of our members who are active in the water safety initiative updated us on that initiative. Between 2010 and 2024 1710 drownings occurred on all of the Great Lakes. This year Lake Michigan had 58 drownings. At a recent conference, state legislators heard data pointing to the decrease in drowning that could happen with lifeguards. Howard Fink, Rotary President and Park Township Manager, summarized the plans for the new Community Center. The plans are for a 45,000 sq ft building with meeting rooms and some athletic areas. The township is trying not to duplicate existing facilities, such as Holland Township's almost complete recreation facility. Howard also mentioned the regional goals to preserve existing farmland as the pressure to convert it to other uses increases.
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November 7, 2024 MeetingRotary Youth Exchange Student from SwedenJoel Olsmats is our exchange student from Sweden this year and he will give a presentation on Sweden and what he has experienced here in Holland so far. |
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Last Week at Rotary - Octobber 24, 2024Rotary District 6290 Life Leadership Conference Kona Ly and Giovanni Loyola from the West Ottawa Interact Club attended the District Life Leadership Conference earlier this year. They were two of the 113 students at the conference, and the Holland area sent 9 high school students to the conference in total.The students were assigned to "families" for the conference. Each family had an adult counselor and students from different areas. One of the activities was for each family to create a skit that illustrated a leadership trait discussed at the conference. There were also team-building exercises.  Some of their favorite activities were Rotary Moments where people would present on Rotary involvement that affected their life. There were also problem-solving events such as having 25 people stand on a sheet and figuring out how to turn it over while everyone was standing on the sheet.There was also a multi-hour simulation of country leadership that allowed the students to role-play officials in different governments in an attempt to present peaceful solutions to problems. Kona admitted that his country ended up going to war because they could not resolve their conflicts. They had a great time and recommended the conference to other students. It definitely changed their outlook on how to approach life. |
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Last Week at Rotary - October 17, 2024The Humanity Share The Humanity Share is a non-profit started by a pastor in Kenya and a Ballerina in Indiana. They work with the Masai and the Pocot tribes in Kenya focusing on basic needs, education, and sustainable income. Kait TenHarmsel is trained as an architect and volunteered for The Humanity Share. In 2019 she quit architecture and became the CEO of the organization.Most of their current work involves clean water and scholarships for girls education. Young women are under pressure to drop out of school to help at home. Water for a household is often carried long distances and this is usually the job of the girls. Proper sanitation facilities for girls are often lacking at schools and this causes them to miss days of school. While primary school is free, secondary schools are not. It is still common for teenaged girls to marry and the dowry paid is a source of income. Because of these factors, only 80% of girls graduate from primary school, 14% from secondary school, and a tiny fraction continue on to university. The water wells are always drilled on public land, usually near a church or school. This avoids the difficulty of a private land owner not allowing access to the community. There is a charge for the water that covers the operation and maintenance of the well. 98% of the girls supported by scholarships complete secondary school and 40% of those continue on to university. In the Pocot area education for girls is relatively new. So far, all of the women who continued on to enroll at a university have graduated or are continuing their education. The graduates are now teaching science in a local school, creating aquaculture programs, becoming a trusted advisor for her village with the business skills, working as an economist, and other professions. |
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October 24, 2024 MeetingLife Leadership ConferenceThe West Ottawa High School students who attended the Rotary Life Leadership Conference earlier this year will report on what they learned. |
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Last Week at Rotary - October 10, 20243sixtyThe 3sixty organization started as the neighborhood group for the Holland Eastcore area. It is now a non-profit that will be a resource for all Holland neighborhoods. It works on the fundamental principle that getting neighbors together can create change for the good. In the 1960s many families living in the Eastcore area moved north and the affordable homes were filled with an ethnically diverse group of families, who worked at Heinz and other Holland businesses. One of the first offerings of 3sixty was a tool-lending library where neighbors could borrow tools and ask for advice to perform their own home repairs. This library now has more than 280 tools available to borrow.  When 3sixty performed a "door-to-door listening" tour, they heard 2 primary requests. The first was to have more public art in the area and the second was to improve the reputation that was tarnished by gang activity in the 1990s. In 2022 a pilot program of public murals was launched with the aid of muralist Joel Garcia. Joel grew up in Eastcore and was also interested in having more public art. The small pilot project in 2022 was widely accepted and led to a full-blown Tulip City Walls Mural Festival in 2023. The 2024 event was even larger and attracted international muralists. All of the murals are along the Columbia Ave business corridor. This year 3sixty won first place in a national neighborhood contest sponsored by the Neighborhoods USA organization. |
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October 17, 2024 MeetingThe Humanity ShareThe Humanity Share was founded on one simple principle: Take what you know and use it for good. Since 2007 we have worked hand-in-hand with East African communities to break cycles of poverty and build sustainable, equitable futures. Through our work in East Africa, we aim to inspire a global community that leverages the power and importance of community-led transformation. Kait TenHarmsel, CEO, The Humanity Share will be with us to tell more about this organization. |
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Last Week at Rotary - October 3, 2024Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts Missy Summers is the Executive Director of the GR Festival of the Arts. Until she was hired about 20 months ago, the festival was the largest all-volunteer organization maybe anywhere. Missy has a finance background and is working to ensure the festival continues for many years. Festival started in 1970 when Alexander Calder suggested having a party celebrating the recent installation of his sculpture, La Grande Vitesse. The sculpture has become the signature of Grand Rapids and the party continues annually. Calder himself created the logo for the festival on the back of a napkin.The festival centers on performance art and international food. There are also art displays and chances to create your own art. Musical artists that got their start at Festival include Pop Evil, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Verve Pipe. Some things have changed in recent years. The food was prepared and sold for many years by area non-profits. This provided between $20,000 and $75,000 for those organizations. However, since the pandemic, there have been fewer volunteers and the food is now a mix between non-profits, small business food startups, and food trucks. One of the challenges is to produce food fast enough for the quarter million people who attend. Festival itself has seen a decline in volunteers and some activities have been modified. The GR Festival organization is looking to branch out and provide experiences beyond the weekend party. They offer mobile art that can be utilized. They are also looking to make contacts with organizations outside the immediate Grand Rapids area to offer similar experiences.  |
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October 10,2024 Meeting3sixty3sixty is a vibrant presence in the Holland Eastcore and Montello Park neighborhoods. They organize the Tulip City Walls mural festival among many other neighborhood-building actions. Jake Norris is the Executive Director of 3Sixty and will be with us. |
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Winner of Big Red Tour Raffle 2024Rotary Big Red Tour Raffle ResultsWe extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who purchased raffle tickets in support of the Holland Rotary Fundraiser. We are pleased to announce that the winning ticket was purchased by a friend of Charlie Soria. The fortunate winner will be traveling from Chicago to enjoy a tour of the Big Red Lighthouse. Contributions from the raffle play a vital role in supporting the education of youth in the Holland/Zeeland area. The funds raised will be directed towards our three-day leadership training program for middle school students, now in its 23rd year at Hope College. We appreciate the participation of everyone who bought tickets. |
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October 3, 2024 MeetingSpeaker To Be AnnouncedAs of our publication, we don't know our program. However, we always have good programs so don't worry.
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Last Week at Rotary - September 26, 2024Sustainable international drug discovery using natural products Dr Cordell returned to talk about ways to produce drugs sustainably. There are thousands of compounds in each organism on the planet. Many of these may prove useful medicinally. There are challenges in balancing technology and nature for sourcing drugs. Paraphrasing from Alice in Wonderland, the way to go depends on where you want to go to. Some further challenges noted were.
It is too expensive to scale traditional medicine while synthetic medicine has volume, distribution, and cost problems. Current approval of a drug takes 15-20 years and $2.7 billion. Impact of Climate Change on Human Health |
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Last Week at Rotary - September 19, 2024Sustainable international drug discovery using natural productsDr Cordell has been retired from full-time teaching and research for a while. His major area of research was patient-focused medical treatments. However, he still consults with researchers, collaborates with project initiators, and helps identify partners. He focuses on developing products where sustainability is considered from the beginning of the process. He currently uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to analyze previous research to provide a starting point for new investigations. He pointed out that research is always collaborative.Natural products are the basis of almost everything that we use for shelter, clothing, and prescription medicines. Our history, present, and future depend on plants. So we must ensure plants stay around. Many factors can cause changes because the environment changes. For example, there was a drought in Vietnam that caused growers to switch from coffee to durian fruit. This led to a worldwide shortage of coffee and rising prices. Sustainability Challenges |
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September 26, 2024 MeetingSustainable international drug discovery using natural products Part 2Dr. Geoffrey Cordell, Professor Emeritus UIC in Pharmaceutical Sciences, will continue discussing sustainability from plant-based products. |
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Last Week at Rotary - September 12, 2024Update on the Palisades Nuclear Plant  Health and safety are the main goals of this nuclear plant. According to our speakers, clean energy from this plant is extremely important. An incredible team is working to get the plant going again. The nuclear industry is extremely excited about this project. This is the biggest project of the United States Department of Energy now. Getting the plant up and running again will show the world that a retired plan can be successfully reactivated. The project is of extreme international importance.Small Modular Reactors (SMR) are expected to be online by about the 2030s. The first two SMRs will be at Palisades. This will be in our backyard. The team wants to get the plant safely opened before there are SMRs. The Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan would be the first U.S. nuclear plant to restart after shutting down. It is supported by a $1.5 billion conditional loan commitment from the DOE Loan Programs Office to Holtec Palisades, LLC, to finance the restoration and resumption of service for an 800 MW nuclear generation station in Covert Township, Michigan. The project aims to bring back the Palisades Nuclear Plant online and upgrade it to produce clean, baseload power through at least 2050. |
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September 12, 2024 MeetingUpdate on the Palisades Nuclear PlantRepresentatives from the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in South Haven will present an update on the plans to restart the plant. |
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Last Week at Rotary - September 5, 2024New Family Justice Center of Ottawa County
The circuit court jurisdiction originally covered Muskegon, Ottawa, and Allegan counties. Plans for a new courthouse to handle the Family division began in 2016 after the court was changed to serve only Ottawa County. The court system is separate from the county government, but funded by the county. There were several different plans proposed before the budget was set for the new courthouse. The new Family Justice Center opened on July 23rd. |
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September 5, 2024 MeetingNew Family Justice Center of Ottawa CountyOttawa County has just begun using the newly built Family Justice Center, which combines all county services in one location. Chief Judge Jon Van Allsburg will tell us about this new center.
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August 29, 2024 MeetingRotary District 6290 Governor Visit Our current District Governor (DG), Brianna Scott, will make the official DG annual visit. |
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Last Week at Rotary - August 22,2024PFAS, Arsenic & Lead (A Quick Overview of Emerging Contaminates)Kelly Thompson of Moti-Vitality has worked in water purification for 27 years. He earned a college degree in education and theatre and also served as a Navy Seabee. He intended to become a High School Theatre teacher. He realized that he didn't enjoy teaching and took a temporary job with a water softener company. What was supposed to be a temporary job turned out to be an industry that he enjoys. He is a member of the Water Quality Association that regularly advises governments on water issues. Water treatment and distribution systems in this country are very old and costly to upgrade. Our ability to measure contaminants has been increasing along with our awareness of the damage to human health. Before the problems in Flint, there were no standards for acceptable lead levels in municipal water. |
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Last Week at Rotary - August 15, 2024Pickleball! Jason Parks has been an ultra runner for many years. In 2018 he founded Egress Endurance to manage running events.He developed back problems from running and his father-in-law suggested he try Pickleball. Jason found that he loves Pickleball. So last year his company added pickleball tournament management. Since the pandemic, 32 million new people have started playing pickleball. Egress Endurance is managing the tournament part of the Holland Rotary Charities Paddle Fest.  Magali (van Ossel) Courtial from Naute, France visited our club today. She was a high school exchange student from Belgium who stayed with Bill Batjes 25 years ago. She brought her husband and 3 children to see Michigan. She talked briefly about how being in another country gave her a different perspective on the world.Any high school student between 15.5 and 18.5 years of age can apply to be an exchange student. Email Catherine Ristola Bass to learn more. |
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August 22, 2024 MeetingPFAS, Arsenic & LeadKelly Thompson will present a quick overview of emerging contaminants in our environment.
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Last Week at Rotary - August 8, 2024Children's Advocacy Center Rachael DeWitt, Executive Director of Ottawa County Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), was our speaker today. The CAC works with the 10% of children who are sexually abused. They provide prevention and intervention services for the county. The center was started in 1997 to centralize services to victims and caregivers of abuse. The center coordinates law enforcement, judicial, and counseling teams. Their education services reach 19,000 children and 1500 adults. They teach in 97% of the schools in the county. The center is funded half by government money and half by private donations.Prevention
InterventionThe center provides combined services to minimize the trauma a child experiences when telling their story. In the last 2 weeks, they handled 18 reports of abuse. They have special facilities that allow interviews to be conducted so that all parties involved (police, child protective services, counselors) can have the information they need all at once. Children will often express things using art, so art areas are available. CAC has about 200 counseling sessions a month for victims. They also offer financial and other support. This is particularly important if the abuser provides the family income. |
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Book House Maintenance 2024 John Helm and Gary Bogle perform maintenance on Holland Rotary Book Houses.
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Last Week at Rotary - August 1, 2024The Momentum Center Visiting Rotarian Mike Cansfield was born in Grand Haven but spent 40 years in the Chicago area fundraising for non-profit organizations. He recently had the opportunity to take a position at the momentum center and move back to Michigan.The Momentum Center provides social activities for the most isolated among the population: those with mental illness, physical disabilities, and addiction recovery. The location in Grand Haven will be moving into a new building and the Holland location will be looking for a new building soon. The buildings are designed to accommodate the specific needs of the target population. Every day there are 3 to 4 activities offered at each location. |
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August 8, 2024 MeetingOttawa County Children's Advocacy CenterThis week's speaker, Rachel Dewitt, was newly promoted to Executive Director of Ottawa County’s Children's Advocacy Center. Learn how important of an organization this is to our area in bringing hope, healing, and justice to those who are affected by child abuse. |
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Last Week at Rotary - July 25, 2024The League of Women Voters Janet DeYoung talked about the history of the organization. The League of Women Voters (LWV) was founded in 1920 after the 19th Amendment passed and women were allowed to vote. Their mission is to "Empower voters, defend democracy". LWV is the largest voter registrant through 50 state organizations and 750 local chapters. Our local chapter has 140 members, both men and women. They study issues and adopt positions by consensus. They do not take positions on any candidates, but report candidate answers to questions on their vote411.org website.Interestingly, when FDR was working on founding the UN, he asked the LWV to assist in writing the founding documents. The LWV continues to have a delegation to the UN. Local LWV chapters also have observers at local government meetings to report on the proceedings. Paula Edwards talked about the changes in Michigan because of the voter-passed initiative. This established early voting, permanent mail-in ballots, an extension for counting military and overseas ballots, more disclosure of ballot contents, transportation to the polls, and best practices for certification of elections are now in the constitution. Absentee ballots are now postage-paid, the voter can track where their ballot is, and if there are any problems with how the ballot was marked the voter will be notified. Michigan now pre-registers any 16-year-old who receives a driver's license to vote. When they turn 18, they will automatically be on the voting rolls. There is an important primary coming up in Ottawa County. There are elected offices where there will be only Republican candidates. For these offices, the primary election will determine who will be elected in the general election in November. In the 2002 primary election, only about 77,000 voters out of 224,000 registered voted. This means that the candidates and issues in that election were decided by only 34% of the voters. Primaries in Michigan are open, meaning you can vote for any party. You must only vote for one party. There may also be non-partisan issues on the primary ballot. |
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August 1, 2024 MeetingPickleball!Ryan Settlemyre and Jenna Timmer of PROmotion Pickleball will talk pickleball and maybe our upcoming tournament. |
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July 25, 2024 MeetingLeague of Women Voters, Holland AreaJanet DeYoung and Paula Edwards will highlight new voting rights with the passage of Prop 2 of 2022 and the importance of the August 6 Primary Election. |
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July 18, 2024 MeetingSMART-Secure, Model, Ask, Recognize and TellCarylon Buck will be giving the presentation. |
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Last Week at Rotary - July 11, 2024Crew in Holland Costas Ciungan shared his love of rowing with the club. His grandfather was a competitive rower when the boats were wood and much more like rowboats than the modern racing boats. Some joys of rowing are camaraderie, being outdoors on the water, and flying over the water when the team synchronizes perfectly.Rowing as a sport started in England in the 17th century. Initially, the rowers sat on solid seats and moved their backs and arms back and forth with the oars. The oars were initially square at the end. Oars have evolved through mason oars (slanted ends), and now to cleaver oars which extend lower into the water. An Englishman also invented the moving seats which allow the rower to use their entire body weight, pushing with their legs. Modern boats or shells hold from one to eight rowers. The rowing shoes are permanently attached to the shell. It is proper etiquette to wear appropriate socks while rowing! Rowers can continue the sport well into their senior years. Rowing is easier on joints than other sports. Costas is currently certified as a rowing coach and would like to continue his certification to judge races. Competitive rowers will practice 6 days a week for 2-3 hours a day. Recreational rowers usually practice 2-3 times a week. In Holland there is the 42° N Rowing Club and nearby is the Grand Rapids Rowing Association. |
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July 11, 2024 MeetingCrew in Holland - 42 Degrees North RowingCostas Ciungan (COE-stas CHOON-gan) recently moved here and is working to build opportunities for crew in the Holland area. |
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Last Week at Rotary - June 27, 2024New Rotary OfficersThanks were given to the board of directors and the committee chairs. Mike Moraw was inducted into the board of directors and Howard Fink was inducted as president. President Howard's Direction for RotaryHoward wants to emphasize living our values. He is challenging the club to focus on action items demonstrating our values. Our work will begin and end with local impact. Some of the values Harold listed are.
The power of individuals to change the world has been demonstrated. We should raise people up and not tear them down. Believe in service above self by focusing energy on the people we serve. Howard wants Rotary to be known as a group that says yes to connections, support, and fun. Howard wants Rotary to be known in the entire Holland/Zeeland area, bringing together the 3 Rotary clubs, the Rotaract Club, and the Interact Club to work on projects. Howard said he is not organized or detail-oriented, so he will need Rotarians to work with him on these goals. The major new initiative already announced is the Rotary Pickleball Tournament. This will take place 28-29 September of this year. It is intended that this will be an annual activity and will be a source of funding for our charity work. The other initiative Howard unveiled is a Lakeshore version of the GR Festival of the Arts. He has contacted the GR Festival people about helping set this up on a date before the festival in GR. They are willing to work on this with the Rotary Clubs. |
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4 July 2024 - No Meeting |
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June 27, 2024 MeetingNew Leadership for the 2024-25 Rotary YearOur new president Howard Fink will be sworn in. |
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Last Week at Rotary, June 20, 2024Visiting Kenyan Rotarian and Self-Defense Luka Ariko from the Rotary Club of Eldoret, Kenya was visiting. In 2016 we partnered with the Eldoret club on a demonstration farm project. This project involved buying a tractor and teaching silage practices to the area farmers. Luka reported that the project and their follow-up work have greatly raised the standard of living in the community. More children are now attending school and families are better prepared for financial emergencies. Jeff Jones, the sheriff department community policing officer for Park Township, gave some self-defense moves to try. Jeff grew up in Chicago and then on the US East Coast. After serving in the Air Force, he moved to West Michigan to become a firefighter and EMT. Later he went to the police academy to join law enforcement. When he started learning jujitsu, he realized that what he had been taught at the academy was not really helpful. The academy taught them to yell orders at the citizens and then use force if they didn't comply In Jeff's opinion this might work if the people encountered were in a rational state of mind, most people in a police situation are not acting rationally. Jeff developed methods to calm people down and keep them from getting hurt. He is on the West Michigan Training Consortium, a group of 94 police agencies that train officers in these techniques. The club members got to practice some techniques.    |
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June 20, 2024 MeetingSelf DefenseOfficer Jeff Jones will talk about self-defense. He will teach us some strategies.
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Last Week at Rotary - June 6, 2024Seniors Helping Seniors When Brian and Mollie Gaggin retired and moved to Holland they soon discovered they missed being involved in a business. They had cared for relatives and something in the caregiving field was appealing. They discovered the company Seniors Helping Seniors, founded 28 years ago in Bucks County PA by an Indian emigrant. Her daughter and son-in-law turned the concept into a franchise and there are now 250 franchises throughout the country.In the decade 2010-2020 there was a 38% increase in the population of seniors. The last decade with a similar increase was 1880-1890. A growing problem in this population is loneliness and isolation leading to mental and physical health problems. Seniors Helping Seniors Lakeshore is a for-profit company started by the Gaggins on March 1st of this year that matches caregivers and care receivers with similar interests. The caregiver spends between 12 and 18 hours a week in companionship and light housework. The goal is to build long-term relationships that will benefit the care receiver. Before acceptance, the caregivers are interviewed for 1-2 hours, undergo background checks, and have extensive training. There are 2 caregivers assigned to each client. This provides consistency in care but allows the caregivers to have time off for travel or other recreational activities. In a care facility, the state mandates that a caregiver can care for no more than 15 people. According to Mollie, the best care facilities only reduce this ratio to 12-1. |
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June 13, 2024 MeetingLeaders for the 21st CenturyRotary Leaders for the 21st Century is an annual leadership conference conducted at Hope College the second week of June for middle schoolers entering 7th and 8th grades who have been selected by their schools as potential emerging leaders. It continues with further engagement in regular follow-up meetings in the participating schools throughout the school year. More information at http://leadersforthe21stcentury.org This has been for the last 24 years Holland Rotary's signature project, and it depends on the active involvement of Rotarians and other volunteers. This year we obtained a District Grant (Remember those donations to The Rotary Foundation (TRF)? This grant is from funds returned by TRF to the District, used as a match) to establish a website, streamline registration, increase the number of participants, and return the event to a three-day/two-night event. At this meeting, the participating students will be having lunch with Rotarians, one of the highlights of the conference for the students. The meeting will be at the Maas Center on the Hope College campus, on the west side of Columbia Avenue, right where Eleventh St. would cross. Parking is available on street or behind Martha Miller Center; handicap parking specifically in the Martha Miller lot and lots east off Columbia between 11th and 13th. Dropoff can be done on Columbia just outside the door to Maas Center. |
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Heartsafe City Designation 2024Holland HeartsafeHolland’s efforts to become a Heart-Safe Community began in September 2022, when retired paramedic Steve Stegeman (left) approached the Holland Fire Department. Firefighter Angela Lound (right) is now the Team Leader of HeartSafe Holland. In 2024 Holland officially became a HeartSafe Community.  The designation comes from a national preparedness program that measures 13 criteria — each demonstrating a community’s commitment to improving sudden cardiac arrest outcomes and saving lives. Those requirements include establishing an organization to guide local efforts, training 15% of the community in hands-only CPR annually, developing strategies to improve public awareness and bystander intervention, and placing AEDs. HeartSafe is sponsored by the Holland Fire Department, Holland Hospital, American Medical Response, Ottawa County Department of Public Health, the Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority, Evergreen Commons, and Holland Rotary Charities.  Left to Right: Rotarians John Shea, Andrew Bissonnette, and Kent Fry along with Paramedic Steve Stegman. |
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Last Week at Rotary - May 30, 2024GH Musical Fountain how they do their shows!  The Grand Haven Musical Fountain first performed in 1962. A fountain in a dance hall in Berlin inspired a WW I veteran and then Grand Haven Mayor to propose building a similar fountain. A group of citizens stabilized the sand on Dewey Hill by planting dune grass, designed and built the fountains, and programmed the songs. Patents were even awarded for some of the devices designed for the fountain.The fountain plays nightly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A non-profit organization now runs the fountain. For the 60th anniversary in 2022, new water features were added and controls were upgraded. Every song is individually choreographed and one minute of performance will take between 1 and 3 hours of work. In recent years much of the work has been around expanding the musical repertoire of the fountain. The team engaged the public via social media to understand what would interest people. They offered a class on choreography and how to use the custom software that creates the programs that run the fountain. More than 60 people showed up to take the class! From this effort, there are now 9 certified choreographers creating songs for the fountain. They have produced 75 new songs for this year. The themes and songs performed each night can be viewed on ghfountain.org |
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June 6, 2024 MeetingSeniors Helping SeniorsBrian Gaggin will be talking about his business that connects seniors together. |
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Rotary's 17th BookhouseLakeshore Elementary School Rotary Bookhouse Rotarians John Helms and Gary Bogle are in the back of the group from West Ottawa Lakeshore Elementary School. This is the 17th bookhouse installed by the Holland Rotary Club in partnership with Herrick District Library.
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Last Week at Rotary - May 23, 2024Interact Student El Salvador house building Trip For 24 years Interactors from the US have been traveling to El Salvador to partner with the Rotary Club of San Salvador and build houses. The original goal was to build 100 houses. That number was surpassed a couple of years ago.Kona Ly from the West Ottawa High School Interact club was one of 40 students who went on a trip earlier this year. He raised the money to pay for the trip himself. This year's trip built 6 houses while working alongside the eventual homeowners. Kona described the construction methods using large bricks with mortar. Kona felt the trip helped him to understand how much we take for granted in this country. He had to be very careful with drinks and food to avoid sickness. The Salvadoran Rotarians made sure that the Interactors were cared for. |
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May 30, 2024 MeetingGH Musical Fountain how they do their shows!Join us for Rotary this week, as the speaker is Jerry Troke, Chair of the Grand Haven Musical Fountain Committee. We will learn how they create the musical fountain shows that dazzle summer visitors in Grand Haven. |
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May 23, 2024 MeetingInteract Student El Salvador house building TripThe Interact students who worked building a house in El Salvador will be talking about their experience. |
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Last Week at Rotary - May 16, 2024Rotary Exchange 20 years later Alex Vriesema grew up in Wisconsin near the Michigan border. In 2004 they were sponsored by the Marinette WI/Menominee MI Rotary Club for a Rotary Youth Exchange to Warsaw Poland.Alex first stayed with a single mom who owned a small medical supply company and was also on the Warsaw city council. The host mom's sister had fled to Sweden during the Societ rule of Poland. Alex had the opportunity to travel to Sweden with the host aunt. Portions of the city of Warsaw still were the stark architecture of the Soviet era. Other areas were bright and colorful. Warsaw has excellent public transportation and it was easy to travel around the city. Many high schools specialize and Alex was enrolled at Copernicus High School, which specializes in science.They got to participate in many memorable social events. At a Polish wedding everyone stands in a circle, drinks a toast, and then throws their shot glass behind themselves to break the glasses. Easter eggs are died brown using onions. The Easter basket is taken to the priest for a blesssing. All Saints Day is a day to decorate family graves. At the Rotary meetings the exchange students got a different meal than the Rotarians. The Rotary Clubs in Poland sponsored a tour around Europe for the exchange students. Alex was in Poland when Pope John Paul died. He was a beloved Polish Pope (the first one) and the streets lined with mourners. The streets were also lined with thousands of candles to commemorate the Pope.
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May 16, 2024 MeetingHighlights from My Poland Exchange 2004-2005Alex Vriesema talks about his experiences. |
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Foundation Participation Award 2022-2023 Bob Nida accepted our award for meeting the Rotary Foundation giving target for the last Rotary year. This was awarded at the District 6290 conference. |
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Last Week at Rotary - May 2, 2024Ottawa County's Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task Force Sarah Matwiejczk is the Ottawa County Chief Assistant Prosecutor. She started the talk by pointing out that a prosecuting attorney doesn't represent a client but represents the State of Michigan against an individual. The goal of a prosecution is to achieve justice and safety for the citizens.The Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office is unique in multiple ways. One distinction is that the prosecutors possess extensive experience serving the county. Ottawa County also has dedicated prosecutors for family law matters, which is unusual. The office has a very high conviction rate. Sarah worked to establish the Elder Abuse Task Force to advocate for citizens who are older than 18 years old. It is similar to the Children's Advocacy Center for child victims. Those served have experienced theft or physical abuse. Vulnerable adults are defined either by having a significant physical disability or by consenting to activities that would be unusual. Determining whether an adult can make a rational decision by themselves can be difficult. For the prosecutor's office to be involved, a crime must be committed under the victim's rights law. Only then can they move to charge an individual. Most cases come as referrals from Adult Protective Services. There is some money that the prosecutors can use to assist victims with safety items such as cell phones or cameras. |
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May 9, 2024 No MeetingNo Meeting During Tulip TimeEnjoy the Tulip Time Festival. |
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May 2, 2024 MeetingOttawa County's Vulnerable Adult Abuse Task ForceSarah Matwiejczk, Ottawa County Chief Assistant Prosecutor, will talk about the task force. |
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Last Week at Rotary - April 25, 2024Human TraffickingOttawa County Detective Dave Bytwerk works with the FBI, local police departments, Michigan State Police, and other Sheriff departments in a task force to combat human trafficking. Their goal is to provide rapid, proactive, comprehensive response to threats of violent crime against children. He gave some useful definitions. Federal jurisdiction often applies because interstate commerce includes moving people, making phone calls, and other activities that traffickers commonly do. Trafficking is determined by force, fraud, and coercion being involved. For example, smuggling is not human trafficking because there is no coercion. Labor trafficking is when a person is lured or forced to move to work with little or no pay and no control over their life. Labor trafficking is by far the most prevalent form of human trafficking and is investigated by the Homeland Security Department. Sex trafficking is what the task force is exclusively involved with. When a person is under 18 and forced to perform sexual acts, it is automatically treated as sex trafficking. Street prostitution and escort services are not sex trafficking. If you encounter a person who appears to be under the influence of someone else, who lets others speak for them, who lies about their age, or who seems to be coached when speaking, then you should call 911 and report a possible trafficking victim. The law enforcement task force partners with many non-profit organizations that can offer victims safety, housing, food, and other necessities. |
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April 25, 2024 MeetingHuman TraffickingAccording to the National Human Trafficking hotline, 295 human trafficking cases were identified in Mi in 2021, involving 429 victims. Of those 295 cases, 238 involved sex trafficking. Our speaker this week is Detective Dave Bytwerk with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office who is involved in investigating trafficking in the county. This will be a very informative topic! |
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Last Week at Rotary - April 18, 2024Challenged Student Luncheon at West Ottawa Lakewood ElementaryThe annual luncheon was just as much fun as every year. The Lakewood students sang "We Appreciate You" and Rotarians met and ate with many of the WO students. After the meal, the Park Township Fire Department discussed Fire Safety and demonstrated the fire fighting gear.       |
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April 18, 2024 MeetingWest Ottawa Challenged Students LuncheonThis meeting will be at Lakewood School 2134 W. LAKEWOOD BLVD. HOLLAND, MI 49424 The school will be ready for us to start by noon. An early start may help some students with limited attention spans. This lunch is a real highlight for them. Staff and students are excited to have us in the school on that one special day each year. |
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Last Week at Rotary - April 11, 2024Using AI in business situationsAndy Bass from NetNerd Ventures talked about the history and current state of Artificial Intelligence (AI). His company does consulting and software development. He is currently working on 2 AI projects. He is doing data analysis with AI and 3D graphical room layout software. The term AI was originally coined at a Dartmouth conference in 1956. The initial goals defined at the conference were to develop software to help in problem-solving, learning, and natural language processing. The current large language model of AI can tackle problems with huge time savings. Some of the areas that benefit from modern AI are:
There are many specialized AI tools. Andy demonstrated ElevenLabs.io which can be trained to mimic an individual's speech, Midjourney.com which can generate pictures from a textual description, and suno.com which generates music given directions. |
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Last Week at Rotary - April 4, 2023Leaders of the 21st CenturyThe Holland area Rotary Club's middle school leadership program, Leaders for the 21st Century, was established in 2000. Bob Armour has headed the program the entire time. Graduates of the program who are in high school or college have served as counselors. The program was paused for 3 years due to the pandemic. Last year we were able to offer a 2-day conference for a reduced number of students. This year the conference will return to a 3-day conference with a target of 60 students attending. Joseph Torres, who is now a Junior at Holland High School, is a Leaders graduate and will be a counselor for this year's conference. He talked about being a shy middle schooler who learned to use his voice by involvement in the program. He learned that he could speak publicly and lead other students. While he was a counselor last year he watched students who didn't want to leave their parents on the first day become confident leaders. David Beattie has been creating a website for marketing the program and registering participants. One of the difficulties was the dependency on school personnel to collect information for the conference. There are now cards for the school to hand out to selected students giving information to their parents about the program and a QR code that will take them to the website. The parents/students can fill out the registration online and it will be available to the conference organizers. The conference is being held June 12-14 this year. |
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Last Week at Rotary - March 28, 2024Becky Schmidt, Head coach of Hope College Women’s Volleyball Last year the Hope College volleyball team was the national runner-up and Hope player Addie Vanderweide was named the co-player of the year. Becky started by talking about her coaching philosophy and the team culture. The volleyball team claims the motto "Inspire hope". They remind themselves that even though there is a good chance of failure it doesn't deter trying.Becky has decided that she will never nominate an individual player for an award because it is against her team philosophy. When the volleyball team started using social media 5 years ago, they decided that what they would emphasize would be fun, connection, and growth. NCAA Division III has always emphasized academics and Becky appreciates that. She will only schedule team activities between 2:30 and 6:00 PM because she wants her players to be able to choose other activities. Players who are choosing between DI and DIII schools will often choose DIII because of the environment. There have also been transfers to Hope of DI players, which leads to the story of this past season. But the story starts the previous year. 2022 Season7 players graduated and only 1 returning player. This young team made it to the national championships and was defeated by the number one-seeded Juniata. The team talked about meeting standards instead of meeting expectations. Expectations are placed upon you by external entities, while standards are internal. In the off-season, the team learned that 4 Division 1 players were transferring to Hope. What would that mean for the continuing players? 6 months before the season started the team sat down and talked about what this would mean. Last Season |
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After Hours Rotary InvitationThe Holland After Hours Rotary Club invites you to join them in volunteering. Date: Thursday, March 28 Event: Volunteer at Community Action House Location: 8th St & Paw Paw Drive, Holland Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Come anytime and bring a friend. The link to sign up is below: |
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Spring 2024 Highway CleanupOur first Highway Cleanup of the year is April 13th. If you can help, meet at the Veldheer Tulip Farm parking lot at 8:00 AM. If we get rained out, we will attempt it a week later at the same time and location. Anyone is welcome, you don't have to be a Rotarian as long as you are 12 years old or older. Mike Moraw will bring coffee along with the cleanup supplies. Click here to sign up. (Sign up will help Mike to bring enough coffee!)
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Challenged Student Lunch 20242024 Annual West Ottawa Challenged Student LunchThe April 18 meeting will be at Lakewood School 2134 W. LAKEWOOD BLVD. HOLLAND, MI 49424 The school will be ready for us to start by noon. An early start may help some students with limited attention spans. This lunch is a real highlight for them. Staff and students are excited to have us in the school on that one special day each year. There has been a bit of a tradition that Rotarians help with supplies like Kleenex, Play-Doh, Pop-its, fidgets, toys, puzzles, Velcro dots, markers, cleaning wipes, etc. We are happy to continue to receive those. |
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Last Week at Rotary - March 21, 2024How journalism has changed over the years Sarah Leach is the Executive Editor of The Holland Sentinel, Petoskey News-Review, Charlevoix Courier, Gaylord Herald Times, Cheboygan Tribune, Sault News, and Ionia Sentinel-Standard. Sarah started by talking about journalism being essential to a functioning democracy. The media is loyal to the citizens and holds power accountable. She quoted Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black from the decision for the New York Times "In the First Amendment, the Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors."The press does this by explaining government actions to the public. To do this, journalists must ask questions of all concerned until they understand the issues well enough to explain them. Truth is facts in context and journalists must understand the context. Journalists occupy an interesting position. They are members of the community, but must also view from outside the community. Journalists are taught consistent methods of testing information for accuracy. As individuals, they have opinions but consistent application of journalistic methods removes bias from reporting. |
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March 28, 2024 MeetingBecky Schmidt, Head coach of Hope College Women’s VolleyballBecky Schmidt will talk about the amazing career she has had with the Hope College Women’s Volleyball team! |
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March 21, 2024 MeetingHow Journalism Has changed over the years at Holland SentinelPulitzer Prize nominated Executive Editor of the Holland Sentinel Sarah Leach will be our speaker. Sarah will be talking about how journalism has changed over the years and her coverage of local news events. |
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Last Week at Rotary - March 14, 2024John Gronberg John's father moved the family to Holland in 1943 to head up the Carr Spring mattress company. Ties to the area went back another generation because John's grandfather built a house in Macatawa after he emigrated from Sweden.John grew up close to water, giving him a love of boats and water skiing. The Sligh family promoted water skiing along with their power boats. They ran 2 schools in Holland and one in Chicago. John taught water skiing as well as performing in shows. The national water skiing competition was in Holland in 1949. He loves both hard and soft water sailing (ice and water). John joined Carr, which sold internationally while their licensee Spring Air sold in the US. Because John traveled so much for his work, he became a pilot and flew planes around the country. John joined the Holland Rotary in 1973 but was traveling and wasn't very active. Carr was bought by Spring Air and then by Leggett & Platt. John stayed working for the company through these acquisitions, eventually leaving in the early 2000s. John purchased a supplier of the mattress business, Omni Die. He has become more active in Rotary, particularly working in our district with the assistant governors. |
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March 14, 2024 MeetingJohn GronbergJohn will tell the story of his "Sexy Journey from Champion Water Skier to Business Owner". Come and hear what that is about. |
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Last Week at Rotary - March 7, 2024Re-New MobilityRe-New Mobility was started with the idea that they would raise money and purchase new mobility equipment to give away. Under this model, they assisted about 100 persons a year. They changed their model and now accept donations of used mobility equipment, refurbish the equipment, warehouse it, and distribute it. In 2023 they assisted 2,000 people acquire 3,000 pieces of equipment in the eight counties they serve. They have service locations in Grand Rapids and Muskegon. They work with all ages, but especially with pediatric clients. They distribute equipment through the Intermediate School Districts, who help to identify children in need. Health insurance can limit the amount of equipment acquired simultaneously and often only allows replacement every 5 years. Especially for pediatric patients, the equipment needs may change more rapidly than 5 years as they grow. People without insurance or with high deductibles may struggle to acquire equipment. Persons who require equipment can call, stop by either of their locations, or make a request on the website. Applicants will be screened for need and fitted with the correct size of equipment (at least by height and weight). Re-New Mobility is the only organization in the area that handles power wheelchairs. They refurbish equipment and repair equipment for their clients. The population with disabilities is the most diverse and mobility means independence. They can pick up donations anywhere in their 8-county area. |
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March 7, 2024 MeetingRe-New MobilityJo Foley & Coleen Davis will speak about Re-New Mobility. Renew Mobility enhances independence for persons with disabilities through access to mobility equipment. |
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February 8, 2024 MeetingUpdate on Tulip Time 2024In her annual visit, Kim VanderMolen will tell us what is new for this year's Tulip Time. And, of course, we will have the opportunity to volunteer. |
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Last Week at Rotary - January 18, 2024Scams and FraudDetective Joseph Monger joined us to complete his presentation from last fall. There were so many questions previously that he didn't get through all of his points, so he was back. Electronic records mean that there is always the chance of a breach. Since almost everything is stored electronically, you must monitor your critical information. Check your bank transactions frequently and report anything suspicious. Romance scams are a prevalent way of stealing money. The caller will play on the emotions of lonely people and tailor their approach so that the victim trusts them. They will say they need money to visit in person, but something always delays the visit and requires more money. If the victim is asked to accept money and then transfer it to a third party, they are most likely helping in some kind of money laundering scheme. A prevalent form of fraud is altering checks. Checks can be stolen from outgoing mail in a non-locked box or from an unattended wallet. The check can be scanned and the information reprinted on check stock with a different amount and payable line. Robbery of USPS employees has happened to get the keys to postal drop boxes. This gives the thieves access to large quantities of mail in which to look for checks. If enough information is gathered, your bank account could be taken over by a thief. When this happens they will have complete control of your finances. Leaving identification and financial information (like a debit card or a check register) visible in your car can invite a break-in. The thief now has enough information to impersonate you at the bank and remove funds. You should always keep IDs with you or lock them in a secure area in your vehicle, like a trunk. It is easier and faster to recover from fraud on a credit card than a debit card. If a fraudulent transaction is made on a debit card, the money is gone from your bank account and won't be returned until after an investigation concludes. If a charitable organization requests donations, you should check their legitimacy and whether the money is used efficiently. The Charity Navigator website is a good resource. If you have been scammed, you can report the incident to your local police or FBI. Reporting to the Federal Trade Commission, Facebook, PayPal, eBay, or other organizations used to commit the fraud can help prevent others from the perpetrators. |
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January 18, 2024 MeetingScams and Fraud Part 2Karla Monger & Detective Joseph Monger will give part 2 of their talk from last October. |
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January 11, 2024 MeetingHolland Public Schools superintendentNick Cassidy will be giving our program this week. |
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Last Week at Rotary - January 4, 2024Lighthouse Immigrant AdvocatesDavid Lee, the Advancement Director at LIA, told us his immigrant story. His family moved to the US from South Korea when David was 6 years old. His dad attended New Brunswick Theological Seminary and is a Reformed Chuch pastor. His parents modeled service while he was growing up and this influenced his eventual interest in non-profit work. David graduated from Hope College with majors in English and Music. He went on to receive a Masters in Viola Performance from Northern Illinois University. After performing in the Chicago area he decided to come back to Holland to figure out his next move. He accepted the job of directing the Holland Area Youth Orchestra. David started volunteering at Community Action House and ended up working there for 7 years before joining Lighthouse doing marketing in 2021. The Mission of Lighthouse is to bring stability to West Michigan immigrants through legal services, education, and advocacy. The organization grew from its attorney founder giving legal services to a multi-lawyer practice of 10. Soon after David joined Lighthouse changes to DACA and the influx of Afghan refugees caused them to pivot in their services. David took over as interim director in 2023 and now is one of 3 people who share executive responsibilities. Lighthouse receives 70% of its funding from the community with the remainder from service fees. They have a fixed fee for each service, which is on a sliding scale according to income. Most immigration lawyers charge hourly and Lighthouse's fees are about 10% of the market rate. Clients often require help in acclimating to the culture and many have been scammed by people claiming legal expertise. The average time working with a client on a case is 281 days.
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January 4, 2024 MeetingLighthouse Immigrant AdvocatesDavid Lee will be telling us about the work of Lighthouse. The organization works to make our area welcoming to immigrants with legal services, education, and advocacy. |
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Last Week at Rotary - December 21, 2023Reindeer GamesWe had our Holiday Party with our last meal for the year at MBYC. We played the games that poor Rudolf wasn't allowed, such as picking up M&Ms with straws, bouncing balls into a bowl, keeping balloons in the air, stacking/unstacking cups, and passing cotton balls around the table with spoons. Table 4 seemed to have the best players, but everybody had a good time. |
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December 21, 2023 MeetingHoliday PartyWe will celebrate the holidays and then take the following week off from meeting. |
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Last Week at Rotary - December 14, 2023Leading Collaborative Meetings John Canfield has helped companies worldwide lead meetings in ways that get things done. He says a productive meeting is a decision-making meeting that comes from being collaborative. Improved performance comes from good implementation driven by improved decision-making created by collaboration giving improved ideas.Traditional meetings are BOPSAT (bunch of people sitting around talking). This doesn't allow everybody to get involved and only lets the people who talk the loudest have their ideas heard. A collaborative meeting has data accessible to all participants and allows more contributions. Where a traditional meeting usually has conflict, a collaborative meeting sees differing opinions as options that can be explored. Sharing in a traditional meeting is like an iceberg where the ideas above the water are the acceptable ones for the organization. Underneath are ideas that people won't share, ones that were forgotten when the meeting started, and any new thoughts that might have been generated by collaboration. A collaborative meeting starts with the group defining the goals to be accomplished. Everyone is required to write options down and share them with the group. The options are placed on a scoreboard and scored for how well they meet the goals defined. John presented many good tools and encouraged us to search "good meetings" to discover meeting tools that might work for us. |
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Last Week at Rotary - December 7, 2023Not your usual Case!Retired judge and Holland Rotarian Andrew Bissonnette told about cases over which he presided which had unexpected happenings. A 16-year-old was charged with reckless homicide because he caused the death of his friend after driving into a power pole. Andrew presided over the hearing to determine whether the case would be tried in adult court. The mother of the boy who died described hell as never being able to hear her son's laughter again. A man walked into the Waupon police station to report that he had just killed his wife. His wife was a paranoid/schizophrenic and they had moved to Waupon to be near her family so they could help care for her. Unfortunately, the family had a falling out and the husband lost his job because he had to spend so much time leaving work to help his wife. He was desperate because he knew that his wife would get even worse living in a homeless shelter. At the trial, the wife's sister, who didn't live nearby, testified on behalf of the husband saying that he truly loved his wife and thought he was doing his best to care for her. During a child visitation case, the mother argued that she would not allow the father to take the son for visitation. She reasoned that the father lived in Milwaukee where there was too much crime and the father refused to follow the mother's directions on what foods were allowed for the son. She only allowed him to eat cheese pizza, white bread with the crusts trimmed, hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese. |
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December 14, 2023 MeetingLeading Collaborative MeetingsProductive collaboration requires more than just putting people in the same room. In my experience just getting people together hasn’t helped all that much. Done poorly, "normal" collaboration builds half-baked ideas, half-heartedly supported by some team members. When productive collaboration isn’t taking place, there is too much noise or too much quiet, too much argument or too little discussion. Too much time is invested for such poor results. This presentation will suggest ways to manage productive decision-making meetings. John Canfield is a corporate trainer, meeting facilitator, speaker, and author who develops and presents custom on-site seminars, meetings, and keynote speeches. |
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Last Week at Rotary - November 30, 2023Annual Club Assembly  Andrew Bissonnette (left) completed the requirements as a new member to replace his red badge with a blue badge. Jim Crozier (right) became our newest Rotarian. Congratulations to both of them.Howard Fink was elected as President-Elect and Loren Meengs was elected to serve on the board of directors. Other officers continued their terms. Some highlights of service reported were:
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December 7, 2023 MeetingNot your usual Case!Club member Andrew Bissonnette relates a few stories from his 24-year stint as a Circuit Court Judge in Wisconsin. |
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November 30, 2023 MeetingAnnual Club AssemblyWe will hear from all of our committees concerning their progress and plans. We will vote on the following nominees. Howard Fink - President-Elect Loren Meengs - Board of Directors. |
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Last Week at Rotary - November 16, 2023Sarah Sanderson Doyle Sarah grew up in Holland and graduated from Holland High School. She started to be interested internationally when her family hosted an exchange student. When she was a student at Hope College, she intentionally took international courses in Africa and the Caribbean and studied for a year abroad. After graduating she worked in many different countries, including Ecuador, China, Japan, and Mozambique.After studying with two Fulbright Scholarships, Sarah applied for the Rotary Peace Scholarship program. She received a Master's Degree in public policy and peace and reconciliation from International Christian University in Tokyo, Japan. While working on this degree, she did an internship with the US State Department. This helped secure a diplomatic position with the State Department after graduation. Sarah's first assignment with the State Department was in China and she is currently stationed in Sweden. She is in Holland on maternity leave and has just learned that her next assignment will be in Papua New Guinea. Her specialty is consular work. This means that she deals with immigration interviews, visa applications, and citizen services. In New Guinea, Sarah will be working as the Public Affairs Officer. Observations on Living in Sweden |
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November 23, 2023 - Happy ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving - No MeetingMike Moraw reports that we collected more than $700 for Community Action House last week. Thanks to all who donated.
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November 16, 2023 MeetingSarah SandersonSarah is a Rotary Peace Academy graduate who was sponsored by our club. She is now a US diplomat currently stationed in Sweden. |
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Last Week at Rotary - November 9,2023The Rotary FoundationKathy and Ed started by explaining the organization of Rotary. Members are part of a club, clubs belong to districts, districts belong to zones and zones make up Rotary International. Zones are legislative entities, with each zone having a representative on the Rotary Board of Directors. In the same manner, our Holland Rotary Charities is related to The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Locally 61% goes to youth projects, 36% to international projects, and 3% to community service work. Some of our local money is eligible for matches by TRF. TRF has three funds.
Only clubs that meet the minimum donation of $100 per member per year are eligible to receive matching funds. There are also special distinctions for donors. Donating $100/yr for polio qualifies as a member of the Polio Plus Society. Donating $1000/yr qualifies as a member of the Paul Harris society. |
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Last Week at Rotary - November 2, 2023Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity Dave Rozman from Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity talked about the local chapter of the international organization. Habitat's chapter in Holland started in 1990. Since its founding, they have built 160 homes and many home repairs. More than 670 people have been able to live in affordable homes because of this. Every year people from our community donate between 12,000 and 15,000 hours to help build housing.Families that qualify for housing through Habitat have an income of between 30-80% of the Average Mean Income of the area. Many families are not able to afford safe housing, nutritious food, healthcare, and reliable transportation. They have to choose between those needs. Each family contributes 250 hours to Habitat before moving into their house. Habitat mortgage payments are no more than 29% of the family income. Habitat has found that home ownership leads to strength, stability, and self-reliance. Families in Habitat homes stay in the home, on average, for 20 years. Lakeshore Habitat has been focusing on larger projects in recent years to try and alleviate the housing crisis. Current projects are:
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November 9, 2023 MeetingRotary FoundationThe Rotary Foundation is the financing vehicle that enables Rotary to do so much good in the world. Ed Swart, Bob Nida, and Kathy DeVries will tell how Holland Rotary Club, Holland Rotary Charities, Rotary International, and The Rotary Foundation all fit together to impact our immediate community and beyond. Come and hear more. |
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CAH Thanksgiving Donations 11/16/2023We will have our annual "pass the hat” for Community Action House on Nov 16th. Donations will go towards funding Thanksgiving Dinners for local families. |
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Last Week at Rotary - October 26, 2023ODC and the Carbon Sequestration Fund Dave Nyitray, CEO of the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC), first gave us an overview of the ODC. The ODC works to protect natural ecosystems and is pioneering nature-based education. As they looked for new areas to explore, they thought about carbon offsets.Most carbon offset programs are confusing, have mixed reactions from the public as to their effectiveness, are far away, and the rules are very convoluted. ODC worked on a program that wouldn't have these difficulties. They approached the Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland to act as a fiduciary for the funds. An advisory board was recruited to evaluate local projects and encourage organizations to apply for funding. Organizations who have an idea for a carbon offset project follow these steps.
The projects could be to reduce carbon usage, such as to increase efficiency, replace carbon-intensive activities, or share resources. They might also lower carbon usage by proposing renewable energy or electrification. The next stage is encouraging the community to buy into the carbon offset fund. Dave displayed a list of activities and the cost of the carbon from each activity. Some of the ideas are:
You can learn more at thecommunitycarbonfund.org
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November 2, 2023 MeetingLakeshore Habitat for HumanityBuilding Community Together, update on Habitat's affordable housing program and projects and how the community is helping to build hope and homes for individuals and families in the community. Dave Rozman, Senior Development Director Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, will be presenting. |
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NEA Big Read Lakeshore 2023Big Read Book Discussion Invitation from After Hours RotaryThe After Hours Club is participating in the Lakeshore Big Read and inviting our Club for a book discussion on this year’s Big Read Book. The book is entitled Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. This will be held at Grace Episcopal on Michigan Ave. from 6 PM to 7:30 PM on Thursday, November 16th. A Hope College student will facilitate the discussion. Below are a few of the other Big Read events scheduled throughout November. The complete schedule is at NEA Big Read Lakeshore.
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October 26, 2023 MeetingODC and the Carbon Sequestration FundDave Nyitray from the Outdoor Discovery Center will talk about carbon offsets created locally in your own community and funds given to local non-profits so they could get solar panels, as another example alongside tree planting. |
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Last Week at Rotary - October 19, 2023Karla Monger & Detective Joseph Monger spoke mostly about being careful on social media about getting taken for money. Q&A took over and we asked them to return in 2024 to cover more of their material for us |
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Last Week at Rotary - October 5, 2023Historic Ottawa Pump House Museum In 1886 a group of railways formed the West Michigan Park Association and purchased land on the northside of Lake Macatawa. The building that is now called the Pump House was built in 1901 as a generating facility to provide the Hotel Ottawa with electricity. The railroad tracks were removed in 1913 and the rail bed became Ottawa Beach Road. In 1915 the cottages were electrified when lines were run from Grand Haven. After the hotel burned, the building was turned into a water pumping facility for the area until 1984 when Park Township connected them to water. The Historic Ottawa Beach Society (HOBS) was formed to preserve the history of the area. In 1995 HOBS succeeded in listing the Pump House on the US Historical Register and in 2002 a state historical marker was installed. After Park Township built a walkway along the Lake Macatawa shoreline, discussion began in earnest on restoring the building. In 2014 the restoration of the Pump House began. The initial restoration was finished and dedicated in May 2015. The Michigan Historical Society recognized the restoration with an award in 2018. The building couldn't be open to the public on a continuing basis because there were no bathrooms. In 2018 a historically accurate bathroom was added and a permanent occupancy permit was issued. So far, the museum has worked with Valerie Van Heest to produce the following exhibitions.
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October 12, 2023 MeetingPatriot Promise FoundationOur speaker this week is Author Bob Taylor Founder of the Patriot Promise Foundation from Grand Rapids, to hear about his book that he has written: From Service to Success: New Mission, new Purpose, and a New Journey to a Great Life. |
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Last Week at Rotary - September 28, 2023Good Samaritan MinistriesGary Beyer, the President of the board of Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM), presented about housing issues in Ottawa County. GSM was founded in 1969 by local churches and organizations. For the last 12 years, it has been the local Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) in Ottawa County. There is only one HARA in each county in Michigan. 53% of the staff at GSM have experienced poverty and/or homelessness. GSM works primarily with the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, which earns between $15-18/hour. Many in this population are spending 50% of their income on housing. GSM works to prevent homelessness, create housing solutions, form sustainable partnerships, and offer supportive services. The Ottawa County Eviction Prevention Program (OCEPP) works with tenants and landlords to prevent eviction and bring the tenants to self-sufficiency within 3 years. GSM works with landlords to promote renting to tenants who qualify for their supportive programs. These tenants are low-risk renters because of the support that they receive. The Circles program is one of the supportive programs where participants regularly meet with mentors. Another GSM program is the Empowered Housing Program which tries to divert people from the area shelters by finding alternate housing. In the past year, 162 clients found permanent housing, 33 rentals were created, 1859 children were helped, and 4313 housing assessments were performed. 75% of people participating in the Circles program reduced their debt. |
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October 5, 2023 MeetingHistorical Ottawa Pump House MuseumPlease join us for our speaker this week, as Daniel Aument, gives us a history lesson on the Pump House, a great way to learn about our area. |
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September 28, 2023 MeetingGood Samaritan Ministries updateLaura Driscoll & Gary Beyer will be at our meeting to highlight new developments at Good Samaritan Ministries. |
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Last Week at Rotary - September 21, 2023West Ottawa Public Schools BondJeff Malloch told us how West Ottawa (WO) decided what would be on the bond proposal. WO personnel compiled a list of everything desired to improve the facilities within the district. The average building age in the WO district is 47 years, so repairs are needed to keep the buildings in service. There are 2 pools within the district and the oldest was built in 1961. There are no longer any parts available to repair any of the equipment at the pool. In addition, there are needs for bus replacements, safety upgrades, air filtration, air conditioning for the 5 elementary schools without A/C, and upgrades for instructional equipment. All of this was detailed and the district hired Epic/MRA to conduct a poll of the taxpayers in the district. Some items that were not supported by the majority of the respondents were dropped. The average home value in the WO district is $400,000 and the millage for school facilities has been 7.75 mills for a number of years. The new request will be 0.25 mills less than this. |
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Last Week at Rotary - September 14, 2023Update on Lakeshore Advantage Lakeshore Advantage (LA) was founded in 2003 as the economic development agency of Ottawa and Allegan Counties. They have 13 staff and are funded by 160 firms. Their main goal is to maintain a robust base of employers. The focus is on "primary employers" who sell more outside the region than within the region. These firms provide 30% of the jobs and each job provides 2-3 other jobs in related areas. Our region is highly diversified.Grow - LA is continually surveying industry to make data-driven decisions. Every year they prepare a report on industry trends. Plan - Long-term planning is key. In 2015 the region became a recognized Smart Zone allowing support of new and developing technologies. The Next Gen program is housed in the Riverview Building in downtown Holland. The SURGE incubator program has developed new companies. In the first year, the entrepreneurs in SURGE raised $300,000 in funds while last year $31 million was raised. LA will be moving to the Next Center on the corner of College Ave and 7th St when it is completed in 2024. Ground was just broken for the construction of this building. It will contain incubator space, a 50-person learning lab, a pitch stage, startup support areas, and the offices of Lakeshore Advantage. Solve - Talent is a major focus of LA. Attracting, developing, and retaining talent are all necessary. The biggest challenges in our region are housing, childcare, and transportation. |
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September 21, 2023 MeetingWest Ottawa Public SchoolsJeff Malloch, CFO, will be at Rotary to tell us about the upcoming West Ottawa milage request. |
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International Festival of Holland Sep 30, 2023Saturday, September 30, 2023, 2-7 pm Holland Civic Center Place The annual festival has art, music, food, shopping, a soccer jamboree, and for the first time a parade of flags. Help is needed with the festival. For more information and to sign up to help visit International Festival of Holland |
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September 14, 2023 MeetingUpdate on Lakeshore AdvantageJoin us for Rotary this week to hear about Lakeshore Advantage's new Next Center that broke ground a few weeks back in downtown Holland. Beth Blanton, VP of Engagement, will be our speaker to fill us in on this project and others going on in the West MI area. |
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Last Week at Rotary - September 7, 2023My Exchange Year in Taiwan Brisa Sanchez Vasquez spent a year in Taiwan with the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program. She was a guest of the Rotary District on the north end of the island of Taiwan. At the start of her year, the COID restrictions were stricter than in the USA and Brisa spent the first week in quarantine. She started Chinese language lessons while quarantining.The first host family had a daughter that spent time in the US. Brisa attended the local high school 3 days a week and took university classes in Mandarin Chinese for 2 days. High school classes met from 7:30 AM until 5 PM. There were 3 meal options in the high school: a 7-11 store in the school, heaters for home food, or you could order food from Uber Eats. The RYE program arranged tours and fun activities. The university had trips and her host families went on family trips including to the Matsu Islands, historical locations, and camping. Brisa particularly enjoyed celebrating the Chinese New Year when red envelopes are given out containing money. The exchange students celebrated Christmas and birthdays by themselves because they are not observed in Taiwan. After the school year, RYE students went on a tour of the entire country, Brisa's two most cherished memories are being part of the winning track relay team at school and earning her certification in Mandarin. |
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Last Week at Rotary - August 31, 2023The Quiet Power of Humility Daryl Van Tongeren from Hope College started his presentation by asking us "Do we really need humility?". From his research, we currently have a narcissism epidemic in our country. When people are entrenched in a single way of seeing, it makes them lonely and isolated. Given that our nature is always pulling us toward selfishness, how do we combat this?Dr. Van Tongeren says the way to think of humility is like Goldilocks, being just the right size. On one extreme lies arrogance and on the other lies servility. The middle allows everyone to contribute to society. People who aren't accustomed to having a voice tend to the servility end. There can be great benefits in hearing from everyone. At an interpersonal level, humility has a lot to do with restraining your ego. There are four different areas where humility can be practiced.
The key to developing humility is psychological security so you don't need the approval of your culture. To see how you are doing, you can ask someone who knows you well "How humble am I?". You should work to reduce your defensiveness (Is the other person right?) and build empathy. Myths of Humility
Pitfalls of Not Being Humble
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September 7, 2023 MeetingRotary Youth Exchange Rebound from TaiwanBrisa Sanchez spent a year in Taiwan with the Rotary Youth Exchange program sponsored by our club. She will talk about her experiences. |
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August 31, 2023 MeetingThe Quiet Power of HumilityDARYL VAN TONGEREN, PhD, is an associate professor of psychology at Hope College. A social psychologist, he has published over two hundred scholarly articles and chapters on topics such as meaning in life, humility, religion, forgiveness, relationships, and well-being. His research has been covered by numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Huffington Post, NPR affiliate radio stations, Scientific American, and Men's Health. He has also coauthored The Courage to Suffer (with Sara A. Showalter Van Tongeren). Van Tongeren has been supported by numerous grants from the John Templeton Foundation, and his research has won national and international awards. Currently, he is an associate editor of the journal of Positive Psychology and a consulting editor for Psychology of Religion and Spirituality and the journal of Social Psychology. He enjoys running, biking, and hiking near where he lives with his wife, Sara, in Holland Michigan. |
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Last Week at Rotary - August 24, 2023Best and Brightest Organization The "Best and Brightest Companies to work for" and the "Best and Brightest in Wellness" are lists of companies that score the highest in the B&B organization's scoring. Companies with 20 or more employees can apply to be ranked. Surveys of employees and management are conducted to determine company culture and rank the applicant companies. The applicant companies are presented with comprehensive reports on employee environment and corporate culture. In western Michigan there are 185 winners out of thousands that applied.For more than 25 years the B&B organization has tried to raise performance, leverage tools, share knowledge, and engage leaders to continue to improve the workplace. The initial application, which includes the surveys and the reports, costs between $200 - 400, depending on the size of the applicant. The organizations that make the list can access resources in DEI, wellness, team building, hybrid work, leadership, talent recruitment, best employment practices, and more. This information is offered through webinars, speakers, peer groups, discussions, and town halls. Some of the presentations qualify for Continuing Education credits. There is a national conference that offers all of these in person. There are 20 different markets in which organizations can apply to be the "best and brightest". Best and Brightest started in the Midwest, but is expanding. Nationally they only publish the top 101 organizations and the Wall Street Journal is their partner. |
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August 24, 2023 MeetingBest and Brightest OrganizationAlicia Wilson & Anna Trsic will be with us to tell us about this organization. |
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Last Week at Rotary - August 17, 2023Woman's Literary Club 125th AnniversaryThe Woman's (yes, singular) Literary Club of Holland was founded in 1898. There was a precursor, the Bay View Reading Club, that started in 1894. Bay View Reading Clubs were formed across the country with a 4-year curriculum focusing on literature, history, and science. The women would study and present papers from the material. After the 4 years was completed, many of the women wanted to continue with a similar experience. Anna Coatsworth Post was the founder of the literary club. She was also a charter member of Hope Reformed Church. The organization was modeled after the Ladies Library Association of Kalamazoo. The Literary Club selected a topic for discussion every year and checked out 50 books from the state library of Michigan. The books covered history, arts & literature, science, education and misc., and music. There were committees that developed programs for each of these areas of the topic over the course of the year. In 1905 the club joined the Michigan General Federation of Women's Clubs. Alice Kremers, the wife of Dr. Henry Kremers, was a member of the Lit Club. They bult an annex on the back of their house on 12th and Central that the club used for meetings and their public health activities. This is the same house that was the location of the first hospital and later the museum. The Lit Club bought and sold multiple properties before securing the property on which the building was finally built. Each time they sold property they made a profit. Since women were not allowed to own property at this time, they formed an organization that included men for the purpose of buying property and building. The building was completed in 1914. The Lit Club building was the location of many activities as the club rented it out to pay for its upkeep. The club was very active in health work, including maternity classes. In 1916/1917 they loaned money to women wanting a college degree at Hope College. The expenses were then $125/yr. Later this was turned into scholarships. The club sold trees at cost to residents living on 9th through 16th streets to provide shade. When WW1 started the women registered men for the military, became active in the Red Cross, and continued their hospital work. It was at a Literary Club meeting that Lida Rogers proposed what would become Tulip Time. Currently there are 119 members who still work on beautification projects, discuss books, and have the annual conference.
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Last Week at Rotary - August 10, 2023Flourishing in the Third Third of Life The Rev. Dr. Jill Ver Steeg, CEO Evergreen Commons, started her talk by telling of touring Evergreen in 2021 when she was considering applying for the job. She saw people exercising, connecting with each other, creating in the woodshop, volunteering to help each other, taking classes, performing, and many other activities. She thought that his was a place where people were flourishing and she was excited to be a part. She observed that our society often glorifies youth, but older citizens have the possibility to make a difference.The first third of life is the learning phase and is from birth through formal education. The second third is called framework and is when career and relationships are formed. The third third is the finish stage and can be all about giving back to society from the experiences of a lifetime. When all aspects of your life are good it is defined as flourishing. Currently, there are 10,000 people a day who turn 65-years-old in the USA. Evergreen Commons started 40 years ago by giving older residents who had never been on a boat in Lake Macatawa pontoon boat rides. It progressed from there to purchasing the current buildings for programs. Currently the senior center is 70,000 square feet and the day center is 12,000 square feet. Both locations provide services for the 4500 members who come primarily from Ottawa and Allegan counties. The day center provides respite care with therapy tailored to each individual. There are many programs offered such as the Parkinsons exercise program that is based on the latest research into delaying the effects of the disease. Currently Jill and her staff are evaluating the facility use, hours available, possible expansion, and bringing in more partners. The dream is to create a "Blue Zone" in Western Michigan. These are areas in the world where people live longer than anywhere else in the world. Currently there is only one Blue Zone in North America. The way Evergreen describes this mission is by saying "we disrupt the way people age". |
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August 17, 2023 MeetingWomen's Literary Club 125th AnniversaryThe Woman’s Literary Club is celebrating 125 years in 2023 in Holland and our speaker will explain the history of the club and the Legacy of Lida Rogers who was honored in May of this year with a plaque. |
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Last Week at Rotary - August 3, 2023Rotary District 6290 Governor Jeff Coil When people ask Jeff what a Rotary district is he tells them that it is just like a club. The head is the District Governer (DG) and the members are the clubs. Districts have exactly the same committees as clubs and work to provide resources in the areas of focus. Our district membership has stabilized and we have seen new clubs start.Every year the DG is responsible for planning a conference for the district. Our district's next conference will be 3-4 May, 2024 and it will be at the JJ Resort. Families will be encouraged to come and there will be plenty of activities for kids. The international theme for this year is "Create Hope in the World". Jeff talked about the ways in which our district is creating hope.
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August 10, 2023 MeetingFlourishing in the Third Third of LifeRev. Dr. Jill Ver Steeg, CEO Evergreen Commons, will talk about how to engage in activities that will help you flourish. |
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August 3, 2023 MeetingDistrict Governer Jeff CoilRotary Clubs are grouped into districts led by a governor. Every year the District Governer visits every club to hear what they are doing, ask questions, and make suggestions to the board of directors. Governor Coil will address the club meeting explaining our district's goals for the year. |
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Last Week at Rotary - July 27, 2023I AM AcademyLindsay Cherry is the co-founder of I AM Academy along with her husband Henry. Lindsay grew up in Zeeland and attended Zeeland Public Schools. Henry grew up in Holland and attended Holland Public schools. Lindsay remembers always asking advice of the single black employee in ZPS. People will gravitate toward leaders that are like themselves. While Lindsay was teaching at West Ottawa Harbor Light Middle School, she noticed that there still were very few role models for people of color. "Just showing up as a leader provides guidance." When children see role models that look like themselves, they start to see possibilities. While Lindsay was teaching in West Ottawa and Henry in Holland, they noticed that the advanced classes were not representative of the composition of the student body. At one point in West Ottawa Public Schools there were 7% black students, but none in advanced classes. So, Lindsay and other teachers started recommending students of color for advanced classes. The Cherrys became convinced that there was more that could be done in addition to their individual efforts as educators. So, I AM Academy was started in 2020. The main goals of I AM are:
Every year there is a different theme. This year's theme is "I AM the Dream". Some of the activities which I AM sponsors throughout the year include.
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Last Week at Rotary - July 20, 2023City of Holland Parks and Recreation Andy Kenyon supervises the city Parks and Recreation department. The department is responsible for 423 acres of city land including 23 parks, 17 playgrounds, 30tennis/pickleball courts, and about 12 baseball fields. The year-round crew totals 20, but this expands by more than a hundred in the summer.The City of Holland has been named a "Tree City USA" for 43 consecutive years by the Arbor Day Foundation. This designation is awarded for excellence in tree management. When the tree crew has to take down a tree they always try to repurpose as much of the tree as they can. They have provided ODC with logs for their outdoor playgrounds. The ODC playground at Window on the Waterfront required 50 logs. The 165-year-old tree in Centennial Park was partially made into wooden bowls specially engraved with their origin. Wood is also milled into lumber. Several city offices have paneling made from city trees. There is an app called TreeSap that was developed by Hope College for the city. Hope students and faculty surveyed every city owned tree and placed the information in a GIS system. The app geo-locates every tree and can tell you the type of tree, size, how much CO2 is sequestered, how much water runoff is prevented, and what is removed for various pollutants. Andy showed the latest design for the ice ribbon park on 6th street. There will be 800 linear feet of skating space. The order for 547,000 tulip bulbs was just placed to be planted in October and November. |
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July 27, 2023 MeetingI AM AcademyLindsay Cherry of I Am Academy will be our speaker. I Am Academy is a local organization that is "Helping to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline systems within educational institutions through mentorships with students and community partnerships.". |
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Highway Cleanup July 15, 2023 |
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Last Week at Rotary - July 13, 2023City of Holland Social Media Platforms Kristin Kirsch and Eric Bruskotter are 2/3 of the full-time staff of the City of Holland media team. City media was started when the public access cable channel was created. The department receives no tax dollars but is funded by city fees on cable. The move to social media started with Facebook, which is still the platform that has all of the information. Initially, there were about 4,000 followers and currently, there are 34,000 followers (coincidentally the same as the population of the city). Interns were very helpful in the city's move to social media. The city maintains a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Flickr, Vimeo, and Nextdoor. The TikTok started with the mayor's Face Painting Video which now has millions of views. The video was in response to a TikTok challenge to paint someone's face as a minion while telling them you were going to paint something else. TikTok followers went from 800 to almost 13,000 today. There are also many serious videos about things to do, places to shop, and attractions. One of the latest videos is titled Holland Hospitality. |
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July 20, 2023 MeetngHolland City Parks and RecreationAndy Kenyon, City of Holland Parks and Rec Director will be the speaker and will talk about how the city partnered with Holland Wooden Bowl when they had to take down a 150-year-old Elm tree. |
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Last Week at Rotary - June 29, 2023Celebrating the end of the Rotary Year and Looking to the New YearThere were a number of celebratory activities that happened at this meeting.  We honored past club president Ed Stielstra for his service to Rotary over the years. The club presented Ed with a Paul Harris award to continue the service work of Rotary. Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary and the award signifies a gift to the Rotary Foundation.Ed is shown here with his wife Sandy.  Outgoing president Elizabeth Giddings turned over the gavel to 2023/2024 president Kathy DeVries. The new Rotary Theme "Create Hope in the World" was introduced.  Paul Bowles became the newest member of our Rotary Club.  Incoming president Kathy was awarded a Paul Harris by Gary and Donna Bogle in recognition of her international work. Her husband Scott was with her. |
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July 6, 2023 MeetingRotary Committee Meeting TimeWe will start the new Rotary year by using our noon time meeting to allow our committees to plan service activities. If you don't already belong to a committee, join one that interests you. |
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June 29, 2023 MeetingChange of Rotary Leadership, Honorary awardsThe new Rotary year starts for all clubs worldwide on July 1st. Kathy DeVries will be inducted as our president for the 2023/24 year. We will also honor some Rotarians for their service. |
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Last Week at Rotary - June 22, 2023Renovation at Herrick District LibraryHerrick District Library will begin renovating the main branch in July. All services will be available during the renovation, except for the bookstore. The current building is now 25 years old and part of the changes will be to remediate some structural problems. Some of the notable changes are:
The project will be complete in 12-14 months and is being funded by the existing Library mileage. There is a website just for the renovation here |
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Last Week at Rotary - June 15, 2023Leaders of the 21st CenturyOur leadership conference for middle school students returned after a 3-year pause. The leaders joined Rotarians for lunch and we learned from the students. |
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June 22, 2023 MeetingRenovation at Herrick District LibrarySara DeVries from Herrick District Library will tell us what changes will be coming to the main branch. |
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Last Week at Rotary - June 8, 2023En-Gedi Children's Home in Nairobi, KenyaMargaret Njuguna is from Kenya. She attended Calvin University and worked for the US based World Renew for many years. Her expertise is microfinance and she worked for World Renew in Africa. While she was travelling through towns, she noticed that the beggars were mostly disabled persons. She didn't know much about disability care then. Margaret was on the planning team for World Renew and every year she asked about starting a program for disabled persons. She was eventually told that no donor would fund a foreign disability care program because any results would be very long term. Yet Margaret still felt called to help children whose families had abandoned them. So, she gave World Renew notice that she would be quitting in 3 years and started planning. Starting the En-Gedi Children's Home |
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Rotary Leaders for the 21st Century 2023 ConferenceRotary Leaders for the 21st CenturyIn Partnership with four area School SystemsSometimes it is difficult to look at your sixth grader’s room and think that the occupant of that room is going out on his/her own in a few years earning a living, raising a family and determining what does and does not get done in our community. Rotary members are concerned about young people. They are also concerned about what does and does not get done in our community. For years, Rotary Clubs have tried to nurture service, international understanding and scholarships for higher education. As successful as these programs were/are, we have come to realize that if we are going to really make a difference in developing community leaders for the 21st Century, we need to reach out to more students and provide them with opportunities for leadership and community service at an early age. Rotary members would like to provide this opportunity to students who will be entering the 7th or 8th grade in the fall. How do we propose to accomplish this?Through the Leaders for the 21st Century program about 50 seventh graders from Holland, West Ottawa, & Zeeland Public Schools and Corpus Christi Catholic School will participate in two days and one evening of intensive leadership training at Hope College. Following the initial training, students will meet once a month at their local school. At the monthly meeting, students will apply the team building skills they learned to plan and carry-out student led service projects. Periodically, student leaders will be invited to attend local Rotary luncheon meetings to report on their projects. In the spring, we will have an evening reunion for Leaders and their parents. When does the training occur?Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 and ends with graduation on Thursday evening June 15, 2023 at approximately 6:15 p.m. If my son or daughter were chosen as a/Rotary Fellow what would he or she receive? * 2 days & one evening of leadership training at Hope College – this includes staying in a Hope College dorm * Leaders for the 21st Century syllabus and planning booklet * A reception for Leaders and their parents * A wide range of entertainment opportunities from swimming to team games * The opportunity to learn from and interact with national and local leaders What is the cost for participating in this program?There is no cost to students or their families for attending leadership training. We do, however, expect students to make a commitmentTo abide by a code of behavior To take an active role in the training To make a commitment to helping other people in their school and community |
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June 8, 2023 MeetingEn-Gedi Children's Home in Nairobi, KenyaMargaret Njuguna is the founder and director of En-Gedi Children's Home.   |
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Last Week at Rotary - June 1, 2023Kierian Overbeek's Year in India Kierian spent a year in Jalgaon, India with Rotary Youth Exchange. He stayed with 3 different families. One family was Sikh and two were Jain. All were vegetarian and Jainists will not kill any living thing. Kierian had to learn to just shoo insects away rather than swat them.There are many festivals in India. Some of Kierian's favorite are:
Kierian had a bicycle and rode all over the countryside with his friends. The Indian Rotarians sent the exchange students on two major trips, one toured South India and the other North India. |
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Last Week at Rotary - May 25, 2023Fishing in the Great Lakes Jon Osborne grew up in Holland fishing with his father on Lake Macatawa. Fly Fishing has grown to be his passion and he has written 4 books about various aspects of Fly Fishing. He started writing 12 years ago. Jon has worked for Holland Public Safety for 26 years and now does recruiting and training for the department.He started his talk by defining passion. Passion is something that keeps you awake and makes you get up early. It is typically different than what you do to make a living, but not always. People who can articulate their passions generally know themselves well. Jon is fascinated with Trout and loves to observe them. He releases the fish that he catches. He says that fishing is communal and teaches patience. Off-season he ties flies from all-natural materials.
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June 1, 2023 MeetingOutbound Exchange Student Life while in IndiaKierian Overbeek has just returned from a year of living in India through the Rotary Youth Exchange. He will tell us about India and his experiences. |
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Pet Photo Contest 2023 Winners!Pet Photo Contest is Finished Thank you for all of your support for our Rotary Charity work. The fundraiser raised over $6600 to support developing youth leadership, eliminating polio worldwide, highway cleanup and park benches, global conflict resolution, neighborhood little libraries, providing clean water, and more. And the winners are.
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Last Week at Rotary - May 18, 2023City of Holland Report Keith VanBeek, Holland City Manager, gave a summary of what are the latest developments in the city. During the pandemic, the staff had a saying that they needed to "keep the trains running". They did that and planned for the future. The staff projects the city needs for 50 years in the future and has financing worked out for 20 years. Here is what is in progress.City of Holland Projects |
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May 25, 2023 MeetingFishing in the Great LakesJon Osborn will be speaking on the Joys of Flyfishing in Michigan. Jon is a Full Time Police Officer with our Holland Dept. of Public Safety working in training. He has written about his experiences flyfishing in a book. |
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May 18, 2023 MeetingHolland City ManagerKeith Van Beek is the Holland City Manager and will talk about what is going on in the city. |
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West Ottawa Interact Water InitiativeTeens lead initiative (click on photo for story) |
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May 11, 2023 MeetingNo Meeting, Tulip TimeWe are not meeting for lunch this week. Volunteers are still needed to help with grandstands. See below for details. |
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Last Week at Rotary May 4, 2023School Based Mental Health Amy Henry from the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District was one of a team that wrote a grant proposal to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration last year. The grant was for developing a Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (PBIS) system to be used in school systems.Initially the federal government was going to award only 3 grants and the Ottawa team thought there was little chance of being awarded one. It ended up that there were 9 grants issued and one was for Amy's proposal. The preparation started last year and the program will be started in the schools this fall. It is funded for 5 years. About 20% of the population needs mental health services and only 2/3 will receive assistance. Schools are a primary delivery point for mental health services. Students feel comfortable at school and are away from any adverse environments. The program being developed is multiple tiered and links building, school district, and ISD resources. One goal is to link together observations on students from teachers, coaches, and other staff to provide early intervention. The outcomes that will be tracked are improved academics, reduced discipline, and improved teacher outcomes.
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May 4, 2023 MeetingSchool Based Mental HealthAmy Henry from the Ottawa Intermediate School District is our speaker. We will hear about the new $5.5 million dollar grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services to help Strengthen Mental health in Ottawa County. |
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Last Week at Rotary - April 20, 2023West Ottawa Challenged Students Luncheon     |
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April 27, 2023 MeetingHolland Rotary Kenya Vision TeamIn February a 5-person team went to Kenya and Uganda to view past and current international projects and make contacts for future projects. They will report their findings. |
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April 20, 2023 MeetingWest Ottawa Challenged Student ProgramOur partnership with the West Ottawa special education teachers and students goes back many years. Every year they invite us for lunch and the students present a program. The meeting will be held at West Ottawa Lakewood Elementary School, 2134 W Lakewood Blvd, Holland, MI 49424 |
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Last Week at Rotary - April 13, 2023Managing a 120-year-old company - Holland Peanut Store The Holland Peanut Store currently has 4 third generation siblings involved in management. Their grandfather (Joe Fabiano) was the first Fabiano who moved to Holland in 1902. Celeste related the story of when her grandfather went to a business organization, they switched from speaking English to speaking Dutch. He requested that they speak English so he could understand. In subsequent generations the relations between this Italian Catholic family and the Dutch residents were more congenial. One of the things that Celeste enjoys is knowing the many customers, some of whom are multi-generation customers.Celeste's uncle Patsy took over the confectionary business in 1914 and added a soda fountain. This was located where the current Gazelle Sports store is. Her father started the peanut store. In 1973 the original store closed. Current Day Peanut Store |
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Last Week at Rotary - April 6, 2023Protecting Yourself OnlineRotarian David Steenwyk presented a talk about online safety. The primary thing to remember is that the human is the weakest link. You should always think before you click. The acronym to remember if you are suspicious about an email, is SLAM. This means: S - Sender. Look closely at the actual email to see if it matches up with the person. L - Links. Don't click on any link that doesn't seem right. You can hover over a link on most non-mobile devices to see the destination. A - Attachments. Don't open any attachments if you aren't expecting them. M - Message. Does the message seem in character? Is your friend really in a Mexican jail needing money? For all of your online accounts that contain sensitive information (financial, personal identifying info, etc.) make sure that you are using a multi-factor authentication that requires something you know and something you have. Using a password generating and storing program, such as lastpass can help you create and enter unique and complex passwords for all of your accounts. Even if you store your files on the cloud, the responsibility to keep backups is yours. If a file of yours gets deleted (either by accident or someone breaking into your computer), it can only be recovered from a cloud service for a limited time. If you discover you need it after the retention period is over, it is gone forever if you haven't made a copy. Lastly, make sure that all updates to your software are applied and that you have security software turned on. |
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April 13, 2023 MeetingManaging a 120-year-old company - Holland Peanut StoreCeleste Fabiano-Porebski is one of the family members working at this beloved downtown store. |
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April 6, 2023 MeetingSurprise!As of this writing we don't know what the program will be. We do know that we will have a good lunch and fellowship.
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Last Week at Rotary - March 30, 2023Mt. Baldhead National Register ListingEric Gallannek of the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center and Russ Gardner of the Mt Baldhead Radar Station Work Group gave a presentation about the restoration and listing of the station. Mt Baldhead has long been a high spot for viewing in the Saugatuck area. In the early 1900s there was an observation tower for tourists to climb to see Lake Michigan. The stairs were built in 1931. During the Cold War the Soviet Union tested nuclear bombs and deployed them on bombers. The US was concerned about Soviet bombers coming over the Noth Pole unobserved. The Midwest was a particular target because of the concentration of manufacturing facilities. In the 1950s long range radar installations were built that watched thousands of miles to the top of the planet. There was concern that aircraft could fly lower than the long-range radar scans. This led to a network of 131 Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) gap filler radar stations. Mt Baldhead Radar Station |
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Last week at Rotary - March 23, 2023 The West Ottawa Interact charter was formally presented to Raighen Ly, president, to acknowledge the newest member of the Holland Rotary Club family. The Interactors talked about their passion for service and their signature project of increasing water safety education for their community in order to protect people from drowning in our area. This charter was signed by Linda Falstad of the After Hours club, Aaron Atsaphanthong of Lakeshore United Rotaract, and Elizabeth Giddings of Holland Noon club. Pictured Members of the West Ottawa Interact Club: Raighen Ly : President Andrew Elwood : Board Chair Tia Peterson : Vice President Joey Skerbeck : Director Social Media Alex Wortman : Member Matthew Harrison : Member Andrew Spilotro : Member Tim McDonald : Member |
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March 30, 2023 MeetingMt. Baldhead National Register ListingEric Gollannek is the Executive Director of the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center. Eric will talk about Mt. Baldhead Radar site, the history, and how it was just recognized for its historical significance. |
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Last Week at Rotary - March 9, 2023Tulip Time 2023Kim Vandermolen, who is in charge of volunteers for Tulip Time, gave us an update on what is in store for this year. Highlights are:
Rotary has provided Grandstand Greeters for parades for a number of years. Greeters are needed starting at noon each parade day and will need to be around for 3. hours. The only grandstands will be on 8th Street by the Civic Center. There will also be seats next to the grandstands for people with mobility difficulties. The special signup link for Rotarians and friends is Rotary Volunteer Signup. |
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March 16, 2023 MeetingPark Township UpdatesHoward Fink, Rotarian and township manager, will give us another update on what is going on in the township. Park Township contains some of the most used waterfront parks, the county fairgrounds, and a large portion of the Lake Macatawa shoreline. |
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Rotary Charities FundraiserClick the image below to enter a pet photo in the contest or to vote for a photo.  |
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Pets Photo ContestClick the image below to enter a pet photo in the contest or to vote for a photo.  |
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Last Week at Rotary - February 9, 2023US Navy Submarine ExperiencesKatherine Hoekstra grew up in Holland and graduated from West Ottawa High School. She decided to join the US Navy and received an ROTC scholarship to attend the University of Michigan where she majored in Physics and minored in Music. After graduating from UM, she was commissioned as an officer in the Navy. After commissioning, she moved to Charleston, NC. In Charleston, she graduated from the Navy Nuclear Power School of the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command and then the Nuclear Power Training Unit. The first school gave the theory of nuclear power operations and the second gave hands-on experience running Navy reactors. After finishing the nuclear training, Katherine moved to Groton CT to attend Submarine Officer Basic School. In Groton, she learned about all of the other systems on a submarine. After completing this schooling, she was assigned to the USS Florida in Kings Bay Georgia. US Navy Submarines |
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Last week at Rotary - Feb 16, 2023 |
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Last Week at Rotary - Mar 2,2023Thompson Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC)One corner on the north side of town, the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, hosts a whole caboodle of educational opportunities for area residents: Careerline Tech Center opens exploration and training for high school students, Thompson M-TEC does career and corporate training for adults, and futurePREP'd works with local business to bring camps, training, and Early College to grades K through 13 and to meet their future employers. Doug Bagley enlightened us to these programs that invest in our community. One story that grabbed us was a formerly homeless man went through M-TEC to both earn his GED and his welding certification late in life. He is now employed and has his own apartment at age 70. These programs hire instructors straight from industry and welcome community member, particularly retirees, to work a few hours a week to teach anything from CAD to geometry, English to Business, Agriculture to QuickBooks or Keyboarding. Doug would love to recruit some instructors from our ranks. |
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Rotary Book Labelling - Feb 4, 2023      |
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March 9, 2023 MeetingTulip time update and Volunteer NeedsKim VanderMolen from Tulip Time will tell us about the 2023 festival and how we can help.  |
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February 9, 2023 MeetingKatherine Hoekstra, USS FloridaLTJG Katherine Hoekstra, USN will be talking about her experiences in submarine training and serving aboard the USS Florida. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan Naval ROTC program and the US Navy Nuclear Power School.
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Last Week at Rotary - January 26, 2023Inbound Exchange StudentMaria Eduarda Corsini Liz (Liz) is our exchange student from Brazil. She is from Três Corações in the state of Minas Gerais. This is an area with beautiful lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. It is also the hometown of the soccer star Pele and there is a Pele Museum there. Liz lives there with her mom, dad, grandma, and 2 dogs. She misses them all, especially the dogs. While Liz is here, her parents are hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange student from India. She got to meet him briefly before she left Brazil. Liz reminded us that the land area of Brazil is larger than the continental United States. She showed us a picture of one of her favorite foods, a kind of cheese roll. They are eaten at any time of the day but particularly at the afternoon meal, which is eaten between lunch and dinner. She thinks that the US schools are not as rigorous as Brazilian ones and was surprised that the US students get to select their classes. At her school in Brazil, she studies 15 different subjects every semester. The students have school uniforms and there are about 30 students in a graduating class. This class size is typical for schools in her area. She loves to paint pictures as a hobby. During the pandemic she and her dad painted a mural of animals on a wall of her bedroom. She also enjoys festivals and, of course, carnival is the biggest festival in Brazil. She is very dedicated to volunteer work and would like to continue by pursuing political science as a career. She is a member of the Latin American Leadership Academy, which is made up of young people throughout South America. They met virtually during the pandemic, but will begin meeting in person in different countries this year. Liz is a member of the Youth Parliament of her state which drafts proposed legislation and presents it to the state legislature. The last law that they worked on proposed changes to mental health treatment. She also volunteers with a local group that prepares and distributes food to local families. October 12 is Children's Day in Brazil and this organization hosted a party for the children they serve. Here in Holland, she attends Holland High School and is taking some AP classes. She played on the volleyball team at Holland High. Her 18th birthday was after she arrived in the US, so she got to celebrate it here. There is no snow or ice in her area of Brazil and that has been a new experience. She tried to learn ice skating with the exchange students. That didn't go so well! However, she accomplished a life goal when she went to NYC and saw Funny Girl on Broadway. After she finishes her exchange year, she will either go back to Brazil and study for the college exam or apply to colleges in the United States. |
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February 2, 2023 MeetingWinner of the Magnolia Silos Baking Competition Annie Paul won the Silos Baking Competition with her Summer Berry Bar. She will tell us about that experience and share her love of baking. |
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Bookhouse help for Spring 2023A book house monitor is needed for the Rotary book house located at the Harbor Village Apartments (287 W. 40th, Holland). If you are interested in this service project, please get in touch with Gary Bogle for details.
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Last Week at Rotary - January 19, 2023Outbound Exchange Students  Our club's outbound exchange students Kierian Overbeek, who is in India, and Brisa Sanchez Vasquez, who is in Taiwan, joined us by video chat to talk about how their yar has been going. Brisa deserves a special medal because it was 2 AM local time when she joined us. Brisa is with her second host family. Where she lived first, she could walk to her school. Now she has to take an hour bus ride to school. Sometimes the bus is full and won't allow any more riders so she has to allow enough time to catch a second bus. She listed getting up on time as one of the most difficult things right now. The mandatory 6-day disease quarantine at the beginning of her stay was also really difficult. Brisa's current family engages in more activities than her first family and she has been enjoying getting out into the community. She has also gone on some trips with Rotary. She was pleasantly surprised that her school classmates are very friendly and she enjoys having friends. About half of the class speaks English and they are helping her with learning Chinese. She is doing well learning the language and is hoping to pass the proficiency test in a while. Kierian has school from 8-12 in the morning Monday through Saturday. This was unexpected. He has noticed how much the variety of religions in India shape the culture. His first host family were Sikhs and his current family practice Jainism. His hosts are not only strict vegans but have a reverence for all life that forbids even killing insects. The variety of religions means that there are festivals constantly. Kierian has really been enjoying going to the festivals. He has been travelling a lot. He was at the Rotary District 3030 conference and before that had a lengthy tour of South India. Kierian has been learning Hindi, but there are so many different languages spoken he has difficulty determining what language people are speaking. Both students were asked what the most surprising things were that they had encountered. They both immediately agreed that the eastern style toilets take some time getting used to. Kierian noted that the festivals are community oriented and not commercial like our festivals. He also remarked on the terrible roads and that animals are roaming freely everywhere. Brisa remarked that on an island the weather app is never correct. She has learned to always carry rain gear. She also noted that she sleeps on a traditional Chinese bed that is a wooden surface with a very thin pad. Kierian really misses having meat, but his favorite food is similar to a burrito. Brisa particularly enjoys a particular soup consisting of beef, noodles, and other ingredients. She also loves steamed buns. |
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January 26, 2023 MeetingRYE Inbound Maria Eduarda Corsini Liz from BrazilYou have probably been introduced to her as Liz, which is what she prefers to be called. She has been with us since the fall and will give her official club presentation about her life in Brazil and what she has experienced in Holland. |
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January 19, 2023 MeetingRYE Outbounds Kieran & BrisaOur Rotary Youth Exchange students in India and Taiwan will be video chatting with us. If you would like to join the chat with our exchange students via Zoom, use this link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9994392473 |
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District 6290 Foundation Raffle 2023  |
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Last Week at Rotary - January 12, 2023Energy Smart ProgramAndrew Reynolds, Community Energy Services Manager with the Holland Board of Public Works (HBPW), outlined what is going on with electrification. Now the term electrification means switching from fossil fuel to electric equipment. He asked if any of us had a heat pump in our home. People were unsure until Andrew pointed out that refrigerators, freezers, and A/C units are all heat pumps. Heat pumps simply move heat, so your refrigerator stays cool by moving any heat into your house. There are even hot water heaters that work using a heat pump. Electricity generates less carbon into the atmosphere than other fuels and is generally cheaper. HBPW residential electric rates are 40% less than Consumers Energy and DTE. The City of Holland approved an energy plan in 2011 that set a goal of reducing CO2 emissions from 24 metric tons per capita in 2010 to 10 mt by 2050. Last year the city achieved 17 mt and the goal has been revised to 12 mt by 2030. HBPW assistance starts with their Home Energy 101 program, which is run by non-profits in the community. This is available to homes within the city limits of Holland. A comprehensive evaluation along with recommendations is made available. The homeowner can work with approved HBPW contractors to make improvements as desired. HBPW has the energy smart rebate program and the federal government has rebate money allocated in the Inflation Reduction Act. The rules for the federal program are not written yet, but congress approved up to $14,000 per household for authorized improvements. Andrew showed an example where you might get more back in rebates than the cost of a water heater.
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Loren Meengs Joins Our Club |
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Last Week at Rotary - January 5, 2023Heart Safe Community Steve Stegeman, who spent 40 years as a paramedic, is now on the Heart Safe Community board to promote citizen Compression only Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CoCPR) training. He started out by dispelling some myths about citizen assistance.
After Steve retired he became a medical examiner investigator. This involved talking to people present when deaths occurred. In almost all deaths there was nothing done to render first aid. If nothing is done for sudden cardiac arrests, the EMTs arriving in the 4-6 minute time will have no chance of saving the person. Heart attacks are characterized by sweating, radiating pain, and breathing difficulty. If these symptoms occur, you need to call 911 and put the person into a position where they are most comfortable. There are about 1,000 sudden cardiac arrests a day in the US. This can happen among young people. Cardiac arrest can happen because of electrical disturbances that cause your heart to stop or not pump blood. It can also happen because of a blow to the chest at the time when the heart is empty of blood. The current preferred method for assistance is CoCPR. Only 5% of the population is currently trained. The Heart Safe Community has set a goal to have 15% of the population trained. How to Respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) |
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January 12, 2023 MeetingNew Environmental & Energy Initiatives with BPWAndrew Reynolds, Community Energy Services Manager with the Holland Board of Public Works, will inform us of new initiatives.
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January 5, 2023 MeetingHeart Safe CommunitySteve Stegeman, a retired paramedic with over 40 years of experience, will introduce Holland City’s new Heart Safe Community Initiative, sponsored by the Holland Fire Department. Through the Citizen CPR Foundation, this program promotes training and the delivery of lay person CPR for Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The presentation will include a demonstration of compression only cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CoCPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator. Steve will be accompanied by a member of the committee, Jay Peters, who has used this training to assist in saving his friend’s life. |
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Meeting Location for Jan-Mar 2023The advisory vote of the membership decided that our meeting place for the next 3 months will be Redrock Grille 4600 Macatawa Legends Boulevard Holland, MI 49424 Macatawa Legends Boulevard is off New Holland Street between 144th Ave and 136th Ave. There will be signs directing you to the meeting room for Rotary. Look for them starting in the parking lot. |
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Last Week at Rotary - December 22, 2022 |
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Happy New Year - No Meeting on December 29, 2022The Next Holland Rotary Club Meeting is January 5, 2023 |
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December 22, 2022 MeetingHoliday PartyThe Holland Chorale Dickens Quartet will be singing for our meeting. |
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Last Week at Rotary - December 15, 2022Rotary Club of Holland Club AssemblyThe Club members present elected Mark Recoulley and Mike Moraw to serve on the board of directors. Congratulations! Kathy DeVries gave a summary of the international work. The Homa Bay, Kenya market is a large public market that has no sanitary facilities. The Kisumu Rotary Club (who we have partnered with before) was doing a disease spread survey during COVID and identified this market as a major disease spreading point. Our club and Kisumu now have a global grant project to build bathroom facilities that include clean water distribution. Our Kenyan silage project, that was completed a few years ago, has raised the income of the participating farmers from 3-10 times. Our partnership with the Running Strong non-profit has completed many water and food projects on the Pine Ridge reservation. Catherine Ristola Bass reported that the Life Leadership, Interact, and International Youth Exchange programs have been doing well. We are hoping to bring back the Leaders of the 21st Century program. Gary Bogle reported that our book houses are being well used. We received a donation of 10,000 books this year for that program. The highway cleanup and Holiday bell ringing headed up by Mike Moraw continue. Carol Swartz gave a summary of the Afghan family resettlement that we worked with this year. The family is doing well and is self-supporting. Janet Huyser could use 2 people to help her with membership activities in the club. She thanked David Meier for everything that he has done to keep the club together by arranging meeting space and meals. |
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Dec 16, 2022 Bell Ringing |
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Last Week at Rotary - December 8, 2022LifeCircles PACEJen Haak of LifeCircles PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) shared with us their mission and vision - to help people live and age the way they want to. This program targets the 55+ community and draws together several focus areas under one roof: doctors, nurses, OT, PT, and more to deliver a wide range of healthcare alternatives. Jen spoke to Holland Rotary specifically about dementia. LifeCircles also runs educational programs in the community. For example, they educate police and first responders on how to deal with someone whose symptoms are related to brain change. They help crisis intervention teams with a 40-hour training to recognize and deal with situations. This involves both classroom-style instruction and role-playing to teach soft skills. Jen went on to give six functions of the frontal lobe of the brain to explain how someone may recognize signs of impairment or dementia in an individual.  |
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December 15, 2022 MeetingClub AssemblyThe nominating committee is pleased to present two candidates for election to our two open board positions: Mike Moraw and Mark Recoulley. Thank you, gentlemen, for your willingness to serve. We still have our President-Elect (2024-25) slot vacant. We look forward to hearing reports at this week's meeting from all of our various committees about their good work on behalf of the club over the last six months. Thank you, members, for carrying out our mission of service for others. |
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Dementia Fair - January 2023 Sign up with the QR code above or this link.
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December 8, 2022 MeetingCrisis Training for Law Enforcement with SeniorsJennifer Haak, LifeCircles Coordinator will talk about the new training that LifeCircles PACE has started with first responders' agencies in Muskegon on how to deal with the Elderly when they are called out on critical situations. |
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November 24, 2022 - Give Thanks (no meeting) |
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Last Week at Rotary - December 1, 2022United Way of Ottawa and Allegan CountiesBrian Gaggin (President/CEO and Shannon Behm (VP of Development) talked about the United Way. The United Way was founded in 1887 as a partnership between corporations and non-profits. Globally there are 1.5 million volunteers and 7 million donors and 5000 corporate sponsors. United Way operates in every community in the US and 1100 communities outside of the US. In our area 8,291 volunteers contribute 100,000 volunteer hours and $3 million in donations. The areas of focus of United Way are education, health, and financial stability. In Ottawa County, 31% of the residents are classified as ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed). |
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Last week at Rotary - November 17, 2022Ottawa County Juvenile Restorative JusticeOur speakers were Paul Krause, Elizabeth Giddings, Tom Wolf, and Dotti. They are all involved in the year-old restorative justice program in Ottawa County. Elizabeth was involved in law school, then worked in juvenile justice in Detroit, and now heads up the Mediation Center in Holland. Paul was an Attorney General in Iowa, practiced family law, was a prosecutor in the family law division, and has just been elected judge in family court. Dotti and Tom have both been long term mediators in civil and family cases. Repair Harm and Restore HopeThe purpose of the program is to address the harm done, to hold the offender responsible, and to make restitution to the victim. The program is available to first time offenders who are 19 and younger. The program has worked with youth from 11-19 years old. The victim must agree for the case to be handled by the restorative justice process. If the offender completes the program, there will be no court record. In order to successfully complete the program, the offender must take responsibility by writing a letter acknowledging the harm they caused, change their behavior, and make restoration to the victim along with community service. If there was physical harm to an individual, they must also complete counseling. Stories of Justice |
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November 17, 2022 MeetingDon't Forget Your Donations for Community Action HouseThis is the week before Thanksgiving and we will be collecting canned goods or money for Community Action House. If you want to bring a check, make it out to Holland Rotary Charities. Mediation Services Juveniles Justice Restorative ProjectJudge Paul Kraus will tell us about this important program of the court. |
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Last Week at Rotary - November 10, 2022The Rotary FoundationRebecca Lamper is our Rotary Foundation chair and she gave prizes to people who knew the answers to her questions. We learned the following facts about The Rotary Foundation.
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West Ottawa Interact World Polio Day 2022The West Ottawa Interact club held their first activity even before they were officially chartered. They had a fundraiser for Polio Eradication on Oct 24th, which is World Polio Day.  Left to Right: Andrew Elwood, Marissa Sanchez, Raighen Ly, and Mariah Stewart raising money for Polio Plus  Left to Right: Raighen Ly and Kona Ly with the Interact banner. |
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November 3, 2022 MeetingFundraising Team Working SessionWe will not be having a program on Nov 3, but will use our meeting time to allow our fundraising teams to work on ideas. |
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Club Updates for October 27, 2022Rotary UpdatesRotarian Herb Dakin, a longtime Rotary After Hours Club member, died on October 24th. A service in memory of Herb will take place on Friday, October 28, at 1:00 p.m., at Third Reformed Church. Help with MembershipThe membership committee is seeking people with the skills/interests to do the following:
To indicate your interest, call or text Janet Huyser at 616-550-6837
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Last Week at Rotary - October 27, 2022Rip CurrentsTwo and a half years ago a particular drowning at Holland State Park caused Robert Ortman to write a letter to the editor about the lack of lifeguards and other safety measures at the park. From this the Holland State Park Safety Commission was formed and Robert started to investigate the causes of drownings. RescuesA particular problem to rescues at Holland State Park is the length of time to respond. If a swimmer is in distress, the sheriff either has to drive down Ottawa Beach Road or take the boat out the channel. The Coast Guard responds with their helicopter from Traverse City in 20 minutes, which is usually too late. Robert would like to see the state park have drone(s) and trained personnel to fly it. The drone could either be used to observe whether assistance was needed or drop a rescue device. PreventionWhile Robert was researching drownings, he noticed that almost all of the drownings at Holland State Park occurred at the same location and with similar weather conditions. He started flying his drones and video recording the currents under the conditions when drownings occur most. He showed videos from different years with currents forming in the same way. The currents curl back toward the beach from the pier and meet currents coming from the north. This causes what are called harbor influenced rip currents. Current measuring devices were placed underwater this summer to provide long term measurements. These devices have just been removed and the data will be downloaded and analyzed in a few weeks. |
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Last Week at Rotary, October 20, 2022A Rotaract StoryRuss started his talk by emphasizing the need to present Rotary as a family of Clubs. The distinctions between Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact need to give way toward working together. When people are interested in membership we need to find out which of the area clubs would fit them the best. He gave some vignettes of Rotaract Clubs in our district.
Lakeshore United |
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October 27, 2022 ProgramRip CurrentsIn September we heard from the Holland State Park Safety Commission about the range of initiatives to stop drownings. Robert Ortman will tell us in greater detail about the research into rip currents near piers that convinced the Army Corp of Engineers to start a major study on pier design. |
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October 20, 2022 Program (NEW)Our scheduled speaker, Aaron Atsaphanthong, has had to fill in at his business and won't be able to give his talk this week. Hopefully, we will find another time he can talk to us. A Rotaract StoryRuss Miller will talk about the forming of one particular Rotaract Club and provide us with examples that will show where Rotaract is going today and what many Rotaractors believe will be their future. The stated mission of this club is: Our mission is to recognize various cultures both economically and socially. We promote and encourage our members to broaden their network by volunteering through community service and in relationships. We welcome and celebrate all backgrounds. We are united in our mission to recognize potential imbalances and bridge gaps, to directly impact the next generation of leaders in hope that they may be provided opportunity that we did not have. Russ will outline why a Rotaract Club, what is the purpose of the club, and where to find members to build a club. |
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Last Week at Rotary - October 13, 2022Fund-raisingThe club was divided into 4 competing teams for the fundraising that will continue into February. Everything else that happened can't be said publicly. |
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October 20, 2022 ProgramJourney of starting a new business in Holland as a Minority
Aaron is the founder and owner of Pro Low Moving LLC. He was born and raised in Holland and is 31 years old.
Background on Pro-Low Moving
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October 13, 2022 Program NEWSadly, Steve Stegeman who was to be our speaker is sick. So Kathy DeVries will be launching
our Holland Rotary Charities fundraising initiative. She will be leading our club through the first steps of the fundraising campaign that will run through the end of February 2023. More information to follow! |
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Last Week at Rotary - October 6, 2022Refugee ResettlementRotarian Kent Fry gave a quick update on the Afghan family that the Holland Rotary Clubs and Central Park Reformed Church sponsored. Our family arrived in January and our formal relationship just ended at the end of September. Three of five family members are working and they are self-sufficient. The sponsors spent about $10,000 for resettling the family. David Beattie said he calls his experience the resettlement adventure. Kent introduced Katie Carpenter from Bethany Services. She is the social worker who worked with our resettlement team. Bethany works in the following areas.
State of Refugees Worldwide |
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October 13, 2022 ProgramHeart Safe CommunitiesSteve Stegeman, a retired paramedic with over 40 years of experience, will introduce Holland City's new Heart Safe Community initiative. This American Heart Association program includes citizen training in Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Choking, and Severe Bleeding. The presentation will include a demonstration of compression-only CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). |
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Last Week at Rotary - September 29, 2022Listening to Bird Songs: a storyCurtis Dykstra is the Parks Naturalist for Ottawa County. He grew up in Grand Rapids and travelled widely with his family. A particularly favorite place of his is South Manitou Island. He grew accustomed to listening to bird songs on the island. |
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October 6, 2022 ProgramRefugee ResettlementKent Fry is a retired pastor and a member of the Holland Rotary After Hours Club (former member of our club). This year Holland Noon Rotary and the Rotary After Hours Club partnered with Central Park Reformed Church and settled an Afghan Refugee family. The family arrived in Holland in January of this year. Bethany Social Services is one of the refugee resettlement agencies authorized by the US State Department. We will hear about the resettlement process. |
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Fall 2022 Highway CleanupHighway Cleanup Crew Our leader Mike Moraw took this picture, so even though he is not pictured he was there.
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Last Week at Rotary, September 22, 2022Haiti National Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (HANWASH)Dr. Omar Keith Helferich, who works with HANWASH on sustainability, gave a quick overview of the current conditions in Haiti. The political unrest in Haiti is causing challenges, but HANWASH is committed to the goal of bringing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to every person in Haiti. Dr. Helferich is helping to implement change theory in the program. One of the outcomes of utilizing this approach is that delivery will be performed as a pay-for-service. Hope College Global Water Research Institute (GWRI)GWRI has recently joined HANWASH as a partner. Dr. Helferich introduced Dr. Aaron Best and Dr. Brent Krueger from GWRI to talk about the institute's projects. |
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Last Week at Rotary, September 15, 2022Holland State Park Safety CommissionHoward Fink, Park Township Manager, is on the Safety Commission and gave the presentation. The commission was formed about 2 years ago with the goal of reducing the number of drownings at the State Park to zero. Some of the changes that they have made already include the gate across the pier, life rings, water safety brochures at local hotels, and electric signs. The gate across the pier will prevent people from going out when there is danger. Howard noted that this design of pier is not intended for people to walk on. The life rings at the State Park automatically dial 911 when they are removed from their holders. One of the major causes is rip currents and the inability of swimmers to correctly recover from being caught in one. The pier is under the control of the Army Corp of Engineers. The commission has convinced the Army Corp to do a major study on pier creation of rip tides. They have buried sensors by the pier to measure the water's behavior. |
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Last Week at Rotary, September 8, 2022My House MinistryHeather Rogers became My House Ministry's Executive Director after a marketing career. The Ministry provides residence and support for homeless women trying to move beyond abuse and addiction. Each woman is given a place to stay at one of the ministry's houses and assigned a Life Skills Coordinator who helps to customize resources. The women in the program are a wide variety of ages (average is around 40), some have children with them, some are situationally homeless while some are generationally homeless, but all of them are experiencing chaos. The program is designed to help move women into being able to live on their own in 3 years. After 18 months in the program, My House's goal is to move the women to rental apartments. Initially, the rent is subsidized, but at the end of the transition, it will be at market price. The ministry can house 13 women, some with children, at their facilities. The journey is difficult. Leaving an abusive situation usually takes 7-10 times trying and recovering from addiction takes 3-5 years. My House has 19 graduates of their program. There is an advisory group that includes graduates. The ministry works closely with other community organizations including Gateway Mission, Resilience, Good Samaritan Ministries, and 70x7 Recovery. Solid Rock MinistriesBen Rogers heads up Solid Rock Ministries, housed in the City on The Hill building. They provide volunteers to make repairs for homeowners who cannot afford the repairs. They also try to get acquainted with the families and support them. Some of the types of work they perform are ramps, roof patching, floor/ceiling/wall repairs, railings, and some plumbing. This year they have completed 70 projects. |
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September 15, 2022 ProgramLake MichiganHoward Fink, Park Township Manager, will talk on the topic "New Acoustic Device in Lake Michigan". Come and find out what this is! |
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September 8, 2022 ProgramMy House Ministry & Solid Rock MinistriesHeather & Benjamin Rodgers will talk about these two ministries. Solid Rock Ministries provides affordable home repair services that empower individuals with hope and dignity. My House Ministries Provides safe housing and restorative programs for women breaking free from the chains of abuse, addiction, and chaos. |
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Last Week at Rotary, September 1, 2022Windmill Island GardensMatt Helmus, manager of Windmill Island Gardens, told us of some exciting plans for the park. The city developed the park in the 1960s. The peak number of annual visitors was 100,000-120,000 people early on. Residents of the Holland area can visit the park for free. The park had been costing more than it brought in for years. Matt was hired seven years ago to manage the park. He has made many changes to reduce costs and bring in more visitors. Some of the challenges are the limited parking on the island and the long causeway. The Island staff is looking at new attractions, mosaic sculptures, and winterizing the venue tent. Next week the Art Gala is happening. There are 48 garden plots for the community. Trees that died on the island because of high water levels were chainsaw carved into tulip sculptures. Magic at the Mill |
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Last Week at Rotary, August 25, 2022Western Theological SeminaryRick Capotosto of Western Theological Seminary (WTS) talked about the changes in theological education and the involvement of WTS in the community. He started by referring to Alexis De Tocqueville's writing about the uniqueness of the United States. De Tocqueville notes that a major strength of this country is the ability to form institutions for good. WTS seeks to be an institution that forms whole persons, promotes deep thinking about theology, and prepares their graduates for service in congregations. WTS has 382 students currently, both in-residence and distance learning. There are currently slots available for in-residence students. In Mat of 2022 WTS graduated 112 students from 16 countries and 18 states. Half were women and 35% were from RCA churches. WTS offers certificates, masters, and doctoral degrees in multiple areas. Community Involvement |
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September 1, 2022 ProgramWindmill Island GardenMatt Helmus, the manager of Windmill Island Gardens will talk about "Magic at the Mill". |
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Last Week at Rotary, August 18, 2022District 6290 Governor Paul HeromanOur district governor is passionate about getting the Rotary story told. He said that you can history to life by telling a story. Sometimes we Rotarians lose track that we are 1.2 million people doing good. The goals for this Rotary year are
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August 25, 2022 ProgramWestern Theological SeminaryRick Capotosto, the Associate Director of Development at Western Theological Seminary (WTS), will be our speaker. By the end of this decade, the most common student in theological education will be a racial or ethnic minority student from an evangelical-protestant tradition, equally likely to be male or female, equally likely to be enrolled in an MA program or an MDiv program, studying part-time as a commuter or distance learning student, attending a seminary that does not belong to the same denomination as their parents, or altogether non-denominational, not funded by a denomination, and not pursuing ministry in a denomination. Rick will tell how WTS is responding to these changes. |
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Our 2022 Inbound Exchange Student Has Arrived The welcoming crew on Saturday 13th of August for Liz from Brazil.
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August 18, 2022 ProgramDistrict Governor Paul Heroman visitsOur current District Governor (DG) will be making the annual official visit with our club. DG Paul is from the Ada/Cascade club. Before the meeting he will meet with the board of directors and the committee chairs to learn what we accomplished and what we have planned. DG Paul will introduce the district goals and comment on what he learned from meeting with our board. |
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Last week at Rotary August 11, 2022Grand River RestorationSteve Heacock, the President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Whitewater Project spoke about the plans for the Grand River through the City of Grand Rapids. History of the Grand RiverThe indigenous people and the early European settlers talked about being able to navigate by listening for the rapids. Through what is now the City of Grand Rapids the river drops 18 feet. When the US Olympic committee built a training facility for Olympic white-water events, they created a drop of 21 feet. The Grand drops only 2 feet from its start near Jackson to Grand Rapids and only 4 feet from there to Lake Michigan. Starting in the early 1800s the river was changed to suit human needs. First for the animal pelt trade, then for logging, and finally for industry. While industry was dumping waste into the Grand, citizens were getting their drinking water from the same location. A series of 6 dams were built to let the industrial waste settle to the bottom so drinking water could be taken from the top of the river. Restoring what was lost |
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Book Sorting August 19th, 2022A few weeks ago, a group of Rotarians moved 10,000 books from Eagle Crest School to a warehouse. Now it is time to sort those books in preparation for getting them into our bookhouses. Friday August 19th at 3:00 PM is your opportunity to help sort. If you are able to help, meet at 500 East 8th Street (former Hart & Cooley building). John Gronberg has the following instructions: Go to the eastern section of the parking lot and look for my Black Escalade. We will gather at that spot, and you can follow me to the section of the warehouse I have at the back of the building.  |
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New 2022 Rotary DirectoryNew Directory Coming Soon John and Catherine will have laptops available this week and next (Aug 11 and Aug 18) to update your photo and contact info in Clubrunner in preparation for a print directory, the first one in over 10 years! You may also update all of your info yourself by logging into Clubrunner or email info & a photo to CatherineRB@yahoo.com for assistance.
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Last Week at Rotary, August 4, 2022Club UpdatesThis past weekend was the district Youth Exchange conference. It went very well according to our outbound students. ResilienceResilience identifies its mission to respond, reduce, and prevent sexual abuse. Beth Curley, Sexual Assault Program Coordinator, talked to us about the respond part. Beth is a forensic nurse and heads up the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) team. The team includes a full time Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate and 6 contracted nurses. One in four women and one in six men will be/have been sexually abused. The Resilience SANE team works with 57 cases a year, mostly women. About 1/3 of the victims are 13-18 years old. In 80% of sexual assaults the perpetrator is known by the victim. The Process of Working with the Victim |
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Last Week at Rotary, July 28, 2022Club UpdatesPresident Elizabeth continues to encourage every member to bring a guest every month. Association for the Blind & Visually ImpairedRoberta Griffith founded the Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ABVI) in Grand Rapids in 1913. Roberta was blind and had many accomplishments, including working with Helen Keller to modernize the Braille writing system. In 2020 ABVI became a subsidiary of Mary Free Bed. Their services can be accessed by a referral from an eye doctor. Vision impaired people's talents are underutilized. Only 10% of them with Master's degrees are employed. According to polls people most fear losing their vision, even more than losing hearing, memory, or even a limb. There are approximately 142,000 people in Michigan with some form of vision impairment. There are numerous types of vision impairment and causes. About 65% of people who have a stroke will end up with some level of vision damage. Services ABVI Provides   |
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Rotary Book Pickup on July 8, 2022Answering a last-minute call, Rotarians picked up lots of donated books and brought them to Herrick District Library for eventual restocking of our book houses.  |
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Last Week at Rotary July 21, 2022Club UpdatesPresident Elizabeth encouraged every member to bring a guest every month. Outdoor Discovery CenterWhat is now the Outdoor Discovery Center (ODC) began as Wildlife Unlimited. Director Travis Williams talked about the current operations of the ODC. About 55,000 students visit to take classes and over 50,000 people visit to tour the facilities to see things like the Live Birds of Prey exhibit. DeGraaf nature center is also operated by the ODC, even though it is a City of Holland facility. Forty percent of the electricity at the ODC is from solar. ODC has 75 employees. Their goals are the following. |
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Highway clean up--July 16, 2022 Thank you to our intrepid cleaner uppers from Holland Rotary and Grace Episcopal Church!
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Last Week at Rotary July 14, 2022Club UpdatesPresident Elizabeth encouraged every member to bring a guest every month. Our highway cleanup is Saturday the 16th and we are encouraged to bring guests to help also. Be Better HollandJill and Steve Miskelly are the parents of Ian who died by suicide when he was a student at the University of Michigan. They started the Be Better organization to try and close some of the gaps they found in our mental health system. Ian was a swimmer growing up and at UM. Even though he struggled with mental health, he was always there to help people "Be Better". His uncle pointed this out in the eulogy at his funeral and it became the organization's name. Some of the lessons that the Miskellys found out through their journey are
A recent US Surgeon General's report on youth mental health has pointed out many of the same problems. Jill and Steve have founded the "Ian Miskelly Be Better Health Clinic" to try and fill these gaps. They registered a non-profit in December 2021 and are working to raise money and make connections with local organizations. In Chicago, there is a coffee shop called Sip of Hope where all of the employees are trained in mental health intervention and care. There is also space to have meetings and counseling. This is the eventual goal of Be Better Holland. The major goal of Be Better is to provide follow-through and rapid answers to people seeking care. They are helping care seekers make connections and ensure that there is a continuity of care. They are currently seeking people to volunteer to be care coordinators. In closing, we were encouraged to "Hold Someone Up". |
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Holland Rotary 2022 Foundation GivingHolland Rotary Club's Foundation giving for the 2021-2022 year was Total Contributions for 2021-2022 $22,317 Annual Fund Giving per Capita $274 (district $123) Annual Fund Contributions $18,625 Rebecca Lamper, Chair of the Foundation committee, sends her sincere thanks to all who have donated.
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Last Week at Rotary, July 7, 2022Club UpdatesThe members of the Lakeshore United Rotaract club will be skydiving for the fundraiser this Sunday morning at 9 AM. This jump was delayed because of rain and will take place at the Grand Haven airport. Lou Hallacy's son sent the club a copy of the book telling the history of our club from 1920-1959. He was sorting through his Dad's things and wanted to make sure we had a copy for our archives. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Water ProjectCharles Elwood told us the story of how we became connected with the water project at Pine Ridge. First, he showed us a video that Olympian Billy Mills made for the Rotarians involved. Billy won a gold medal for the 10K run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He was taught by Oglala Lakota elders that it was important to give back. He created a foundation called "Running Strong" to help indigenous people. When he went to Pine Ridge and asked the elders what would be their first priority need, they said water. The groundwater is contaminated with uranium and arsenic and it shortens the life expectancy by 15 years. He concluded the video by saying "Rotarians what you are doing is sacred". How did we get involved? |
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Last Week at Rotary June 2, 2022Club UpdatesThe golf outing is tomorrow and there is one slot open. We have 3 students attending the Life Leadership Conference. They need a ride home from Ferris State University at 1 PM on Saturday 18 June. If anyone is able to help, please get in touch with Carol Swart. There was a sign-up sheet for helping at the Jump!4Polio greeting the skydivers. There are 3-hour shifts from 9 AM until 9 PM. Talk to Ed Swart. Incoming President Elizabeth Scott will be hosting a pot-luck and Rotary visioning time at her house on Tuesday 14 June. Nick Cassidy, Holland Public School SuperintendentNick traced the K-12 grade environment from 1994 when Michigan changed the funding model. 1995 was when charter schools started in Michigan. Holland Public Schools (HPS) has gone from an enrollment of 5,000 students in 14 buildings in 2000 to 8 buildings with slightly under 3,000 students currently. The pandemic and the changes in instruction that it caused led to a decline in academic and social development. |
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Last Week at Rotary May 26, 2022Club UpdatesNext week Ed Swart will have a signup sheet for greeting the Jump!4Polio parachuters as they land. Gary Bogle reported that we need 2 more bookhouse monitors to keep our bookhouses stocked with books. The son and 2 of the daughters of our refugee family are now employed. Rotary Show and TellEd Swart talked about being in the trials for the Salk Polio vaccine when he was in elementary school. Catherine Ristola Bass showed a painted rock from Ontanogan that was a surprise gift for her mother from a co-worker. John Helm showed a vaccination syringe that he used in the State Dept. He also had a Soviet Navy hat that he bought from a sailor who was abandoned when the USSR collapsed and he was selling belongings to get enough money to travel home.  John Hoekstra showed his shirt from India (above) signed by Mother Teresa. Ken Austin showed a wooden gavel made by his father and related how he saw some furniture repaired by his father in Vienna. Gary Bogle showed a picture of his head after he lost a bet on the World Cup. His hair was shaved so he looked like a soccer ball. George Higginson brought a Minuteman statue that he was given after his retirement from heading up the National Guard. He spent 3 years in charge of the whole country. Marving Younger told how at 4.5 years old he took his 3-year-old cousin on a bus to downtown Philadelphia for a whole day. He also showed some cigars he acquired on his recent stay in the Dominican Republic. Ken Vos told about his enjoyment working at Windmill Island in his retirement. He likes to tell visitors about Mrs. Van Raalte who had money to buy all the land. Larry Schuyler showed a gun powder holder that his Grandfather used in the US Civil War. |
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Last Week at Rotary May 19, 2022Club UpdatesDavid Steenwyk and Charlie Soria are planning a Rotary Golf outing for June 3rd at Clearbrook Country Club. There are still 5 open slots for Rotarians. After May 28th the slots will be open to non-Rotarians. Rotary Dinner and AuctionWe had a wonderful evening with our Rotary family. Some experiences were auctioned off. The winners have boat rides, dinners, and other activities to look forward to. |
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Holland Rotary Book Houses The Rotary Clubs of Holland and the Herrick District library partner to provide 16 Blue and Yellow Book Houses in the Greater Holland area. Gary Bogle Rotary Club of Holland, MI |
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Last Week at Rotary May 12, 2022Tulip Time Parades  |
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Last Week at Rotary May 5, 2022Club UpdatesWe will not be meeting for lunch for the next 2 weeks. On the 12th we will be marching in the Tulip Time parade as grand Marshalls. Meet on Columbia Ave between 8th and 10th streets around noon to get lined up for the parade. On the 17th we will be having a dinner that will take the place of our Thursday lunch meeting. You will be getting an invitation in the mail. Carol Swart is looking for people to volunteer experiences to be raffled off. David Steenwyk and Charlie Soria are planning a Rotary Golf outing for June 3rd at Clearbrook Country Club. Signup for Tulip Time Grandstand Greeters is still open. If you're not marching in the parade Thursday with the area Rotarians, you can be in the stands having fun with the visitors. Steve VanderVeen, Local Business HistorianSteve has taught business at the college level for 32 years and will be retiring this year from Hope College. He has always been interested in the history of businesses and the entrepreneurs in the area. Over the years Steve has written two continuing columns for the Holland Sentinel. The first was about currently operating local businesses. The one that he is still writing traces the history since Van Raalte. Before Van Raalte arrived, there were two areas where indigenous people lived in the area. One group was along Macatawa Lake and the other was near the Old Wing Mission. The federal government gave Chief Waukazoo a choice of being relocated to the west or to settle down and farm land that would be given to them. The Chief choose farming. Steve uses the large body of historical information that Bob Swierenga has collected about the Holland area. Steve's Great Grandfather traveled from the Netherlands to New York City intending to continue on to Michigan. However, the size and activity of the city made him get back on the same ship and sail directly back to the Netherlands. His family did make it to Holland and joined a group headed by Marten Ypma. Engbertus VanderVeen (no relation to Steve) ran a hardware store on the corner of River Ave and Eighth St. He was commissioned to build the Rooster for the top of Pillar church. He tried many materials to get the rooster mounted so it could pivot in the wind. He finally found that a wine bottle worked the best. Ironically Pillar church was becoming active in the temperance movement at the time. James Huntley was a master builder from England who built many houses and factories around Holland. Reindert Werkman arrived in Holland when he was 12 years old. His father died soon after they arrived. Reindert was active in many lumber related businesses. He went bankrupt multiple times, travelled widely, and ended his career as a real estate agent in the western US. Chester van Tongeren founded the Wooden Shoe Factory on the corner of River and Sixth St. He later purchased the tract of land from 16th to 24th streets by Waverly and moved the factory there. The Wooden Shoe Factory no longer exists, but his descendant Dave Geer runs the Holland Bowl Mill and even has some of the original tools.
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Last Week at Rotary April 28, 2022Club UpdatesDon't forget that in 2 weeks we have no meeting because we will be marching in the Tulip Time parade as grand marshalls. Signup for Tulip Time Grandstand Greeters is still open. If you're not marching in the parade Thursday with the area Rotarians, you can be in the stands having fun with the visitors. And speaking of marching in the parade, did you know that your family is welcome as well? Robert Ortman is looking for a few more people to portray Wizard of OZ characters on the float. We need a tin man, scarecrow, and cowardly lion. Annual West Ottawa Challenged Student's LuncheonEvery year we meet with the students and their teachers and aides. Students are brought in from every school in the West Ottawa Public School District.  About 25 Rotarians attended lunch at WOPS Lakewood School on April 28 with the Challenged Students from that district. Lakewood is the learning center for all elementary age special needs learners and the middle and high school kids were bussed in. We were greeted by Principal Ghareeb and Special Education Director Tanya Uganski and Rotarians, students, and staff had a nice gathering time of getting to know each other. We had a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Noelle and her team and the students sang a lovely song called Working Together. Also present were the Lakewood Links, 4th and 5th grade students that volunteer as learning partners with the Challenged students. Many students and staff wore red tee shirts for Autism Awareness.  Catherine Ristola Bass presented a check for $1,000 from the Club to the school to help defray the cost of snacks and cleaning items needed for this population of students and additional cash and other gifts were collected. Jim White, our returned snowbird, was presented with his two checks for having won 3rd and 6th place from the District Foundation raffle and he promptly offered one of those up as an additional gift to the program. It was a wonderful meeting, many thanks to Robert Ortman for shepherding this project every year. |
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Tulip Time 2022 Parade Fundraiser |
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Last Week at Rotary Apr 21, 2022Club UpdatesDon't forget about the challenged student luncheon at West Ottawa on April 28th (Next Meeting). We would like to have at least 30 Rotarians attending. ♣ Only 2 weeks ago John Helm drew the Ace of Clubs from a greatly diminished deck of cards. This week our Junior Rotarian from Holland Christian Grace Lappenga drew the Ace of Clubs from an almost complete deck of cards. Treasurer Bev needs to write another check and Sergeant-At-Arms David needs to buy another deck! Signup for Tulip Time Grandstand Greeters is still open. If you're not marching in the parade Thursday with the area Rotarians, you can be in the stands having fun with the visitors. And speaking of marching in the parade, did you know that your family is welcome as well? Robert Ortman is looking for a few more people to portray Wizard of OZ characters on the float. We need a tin man, scarecrow, and cowardly lion. April 23rd is our highway cleanup day. Let Mike Moraw know you'll be there to help. The club is planning a social dinner event for members and spouses at the MBYC on May 17th. More details to follow. Kate Boeve, Highland Games CompetitorKate became a Highland Games competitor when she attended the Kalamazoo Scottish Festival in 1997 to watch. They had no women competitors and asked if she and her sister would like to compete. They did compete and both are still competing. Kate is currently ranked 2nd internationally in her age group. She shared this picture of the last 2 world championship competitors.  |
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Last Week at Rotary Apr 14, 2022Club UpdatesDon't forget about the challenged student luncheon at West Ottawa on April 28th. We would like to have at least 30 Rotarians attending. Signup for Tulip Time Grandstand Greeters is still open. If you're not marching in the parade Thursday with the area Rotarians, you can be in the stands having fun with the visitors. And speaking of marching in the parade, did you know that your family is welcome as well?  Ed Swart was presented with a check for his winnings from the District Foundation Raffle. Jim White also was a winner and he will get his check when he returns to Holland.The community service team is looking for drivers to take our Afghan refugee family to Dutch Village on community day. This is April 23rd. You can probably pick up the trash on the highway that morning and make it over to Dutch Village. April 23rd is our highway cleanup day. Let Mike Moraw know you'll be there to help. Gary Bogle reported that the little library group could use one more bookhouse monitor because we have installed another library. Ottawa County Crisis Intervention TeamThe Ottawa Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) was started in September 2021 and is unique on this side of the state. Ottawa county has two co-response teams. A co-response team consists of a law enforcement officer and a mental health clinician who respond to calls together. Holland Public Safety has a team and the Sheriff has a team. It is unique for an area to have co-response teams. |
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Rotary Refugee Resettlement April 2022Holland Noon Rotary and the Rotary After Hours Club are partnered with Central Park Reformed Church for the purpose of settling an Afghan Refugee family. The family arrived at Ford Airport in Grand Rapids on January 26; therefore, we are moving into our third month of refugee resettlement. The family is comprised of a Dad and Mom, two sisters in their thirties, and a son in his late teens. The son speaks fairly good English, so we have not made use of a translator.
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Tulip Time Kinderparade Grand MarshallsRotary t-shirt sales for Tulip Time Kinderparade GRAND MARSHALLS~~please march with us! $10 each, please pay at the time of ordering. Orders are due by FRIDAY, APRIL 15. Unisex sizes: S-M-L-XL, 2X is $12.50 Checks to Catherine Ristola Bass, cash, or Venmo: @Catherine-RistolaBass |
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Last Week at Rotary Apr 7, 2022Club UpdatesThere is a special t-shirt design for all of the Rotarians/Rotaractors/Interactors marching in the Kinderparade as Grand Marshalls. An order sheet was passed around at the meeting. Orders will need to be placed by April 15th. Contact Catherine to order a T-shirt if you won't be at next week's meeting. Robert Ortman reminded us again that the challenged student luncheon at West Ottawa is coming up on April 28th. We would like to have at least 30 Rotarians attending. John Gronberg announced that our Rotary District 6290 has committed $10,000 to the HANWASH organization. Rudy Vedovell was at the meeting for the first time since recovering from his heart attack. He spoke at the end of the meeting and mentioned that he joined the club in 1942. He thanked the club for making him an Honorary Member. We Have a Winner!🎉John Helm drew the Ace of Clubs in the weekly raffle. Congratulations and Treasurer Bev will need to write that check now! Holland Tulip Time UpdatesKim Vandermolen from Tulip Time gave us an update on what is going on with this year's festival. There are two new exhibits from the Netherlands.
The Artisan Market and the Quilt show will be at Beechwood Church this year. This will allow 50 more vendors at the market than could be handled at Centennial Park. There will be food trucks, Dutch Dancing, and lots more parking at the Beechwood location. The Tulip Time organization has shrunk from 15 employees before the Pandemic to 4 employees currently. This has necessitated some changes in the scope of the festival and an increased need for volunteers. There are 940 volunteers needed and about 70% of those positions are filled. Tulip Time starts exactly one month from the day of the meeting! Our Rotary Club has historically helped by providing Grandstand Greeters during the parades. There will only be 2 parades this year. The Volksparade will incorporate the bands and will take place on Saturday. The grandstands will only be on Eighth Street in the Market area this year. There will be 8 sections and a new, expanded seating area that will allow much more wheelchair seating than before. Grandstand Greeters are responsible for an area of the grandstands and will sell any remaining tickets, help visitors find their seats, and entertain visitors with trivia and other group fun. There is a special online signup for Rotarians at http://rotary.tuliptime.volunteerhub.com. For volunteering, you will get a special t-shirt and a limited edition pin. And, of course, you might just have a lot of fun. To see what other volunteer opportunities are available, visit http://tuliptime.com/volunteers |
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Last Week at Rotary Mar 31, 2022Club UpdatesRobert Ortman is looking for people to portray Wizard of Oz characters on our Rotary Float for Tulip Time. Contact him if you are interested. We are also hoping that many Rotarians will be walking in the Children's Parade where we are the Grand Marshals. The float and Rotarians will be at the head of that Parade. And in other Tulip Time news, Tom and Heather Gough are still looking for Grandstand Greeters. District 6290 Life Leadership ConferenceJohn Noling from the Muskegon Rotary Club and the District chair for the conference told us about this annual event. This leadership program for high school students started in 1949. It brings students from throughout the district along with inbound and outbound exchange students. It is probably the longest-running youth leadership program in Rotary. Worldwide Rotary now has RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) which was founded in 1971. Our district conference is affiliated with RYLA. The program started in Muskegon when the superintendent of schools and the city recreation director started talking about leadership for high school boys. They were both Rotarians and the Muskegon club had property on Big Blue Lake that could be used. Since 1949 there have been 6900 high schoolers who have been through the program. Girls were invited to the program for the first time in 1989 and now the program better reflects the cultural diversity of our region. There are a number of top-notch speakers, exercises, and time to meet other students. The students are divided into family groups with an adult leader that lets them debrief on what they have learned. Visitors are welcome at the conference. The new home is Ferris State University. Contact Carol Swart, our club representative, if you would like to attend. The Staff and Board of the Life Leadership Conference consists of graduates of the program, Rotarians, Rotoractors, and Interactors.  |
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Last Week at Rotary Mar 24, 2022Club UpdatesWe need drivers for our Afghan refugee family. As per custom, they must be gender specific because it is not appropriate for men to drive women or women to drive men.
Russ Miller reminded us of the Jump for Polio coming up on June 25th at the Grand Haven airport. This is both a fundraiser for the Polio Plus program and an attempt to break the Guiness record for the most people skydiving out of a single plane. Rebecca Lamper and Ken Vos are jumping for our club. The District Governor is hoping to have 100 jumpers and has about 50 currently. Rebecca reminded us that she and Ken are soliciting donations for the event.
We are anticipating the arrival of our inbound exchange students at the end of summer. We only have housing for one of the students. If we cannot find housing, we will have to send a student to another club and pay for their expenses. Please ask around if any of your contacts know of a family who could host a student.
Our luncheon at West Ottawa with the challenged student is set for April 28th. West Ottawa goes to great lengths to set up this annual event and Robert Ortman asked if we could all make sure to attend. Donation requests for the classrooms will be available soon.
Our next highway cleanup will be April 23rd with a rain date of the next week. Meet at 8am at Veldheer’s Tulip Farm---Mike Moraw to provide bags, vests, and extra gloves for those who don’t bring gloves.
Russ Miller collected enough cash at the meeting to buy a new computer for the club. Thanks, Russ! Rotary HANWASHDr Omar Keith Helferich and John Gronberg were our speakers. Dr Helferich received an environmental engineering degree before most people knew what that meant. He spent time in the military supply chain and then taught at 5 universities. He was originally an advisor to the HANWASH organization and decided to join the organization to help with the education component. Haiti National Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (HANWASH) was created to provide every resident of Haiti with clean water. HANWASH is not a project, but a program designed to be a locally owned, sustainable development. In Haiti many projects have failed because they do not have a continuing program emphasis. A project delivers something and may not have support for the long term. Access to water in Haiti is expected as a gift. Rotary aims to change this mindset by requiring payment. Each water project will be owned by a Haitian entrepreneur. Because local support is essential, a segment of the program is to recruit and train Haitian engineers. Local Rotary Clubs will be in charge of each project and will make sure resources are only spent on what is in the plan. There are 7 communities that will be part of the current pilot project. They were chosen because they are a mix of urban and rural. It is hoped that these 7 areas will allow addressing any problem that will be encountered in the rest of the country. Partner organizations include Haitian government agencies, NGOs with experience in Haiti, and Haitian charitable organizations. Haiti has 45 communes (similar to our townships) and each will be tackled eventually. Our district 6290 will be responsible for Terre Nueve. While the initial assessments were being performed, the citizens were asked how much time they spent getting water. The answer was 3 hours per day per person. There are numerous water sources, but only 15% are potable. There are about 200 homes with an average of 2.5 persons per home. The homes are widely dispersed so the current plan is to build centrally located water kiosks. Part of the reason for the low amount of potable water is that there are no sewer facilities. The waste problem will be tackled also. The program approaches being developed are intended to be scalable and aplicable to anywhere in the world. This is the way that methods were developed for Polio Plus and it is hoped that providing clean water for everyone on the planet will be the next goal after Polio is eliminated. |
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Last Week at Rotary Mar 17, 2022Club UpdatesUnfortunately, our planned speaker was ill and unable to come. So, we heard updates on what is going on with club projects. Ken Austin reported he represented Rotary at the 102nd year anniversary celebration of the American Legion Band. The band has many special activities scheduled this year and we are welcome to attend all of them. http://www.hollandlegionband.org/2022-concert-schedule.html
Russ Miller reminded us of the Jump for Polio coming up on June 25th at the Grand Haven airport. This is both a fundraiser for the Polio Plus program and an attempt to break the Guiness record for the most people skydiving out of a single plane. Rebecca Lamper and Ken Vos are jumping for our club. The District Governor is hoping to have 100 jumpers and has about 50 currently. Rebecca reminded us that she and Ken are soliciting donations for the event.
Carol Swart reported that the move of our refugee family into permanent housing went well. The dwelling is fully furnished. The only request is for 2 twin bed size comforters either new or in good condition.
We are anticipating the arrival of our inbound exchange students at the end of summer. We only have housing for one of the students. If we cannot find housing, we will have to send a student to another club and pay for their expenses. Please ask around if any of your contacts know of a family who could host a student.
Our luncheon at West Ottawa with the challenged student is set for April 28th. West Ottawa goes to great lengths to set up this annual event and Robert Ortman asked if we could all make sure to attend. |
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Rotarian Response to Ukraine
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Last Week at Rotary Mar 10, 2022Club UpdatesWe are anticipating the arrival of our inbound exchange students at the end of summer. If you know of anyone who is interested in hosting an exchange student, please let our Rotary Youth Exchange committee numbers know. Our Afghan refugee family will be moving to their new house on Saturday. Call Carol Swart if you can help. MSU Bioeconomy Institute (MSU BI)Dr. Tom Guarr was with us to talk about MSU BI. When Pfizer shut down their Holland manufacturing plant, they donated the portion that was a pilot plant to MSU in 2007. In 2009 the university created MSU BI. Their mission is to provide manufacturing capabilities, incubator space for startups, and research. In 2016 a location in East Lansing was added to the MSU BI organization. The Holland location concentrates on specialty chemicals while the East Lansing location specializes in fermentation. MSU BI has run more than 600 commercialization scale-ups for companies. The facility has a wide range of reactors, dryers, and other equipment. All environmental permits are kept and there is a fill-time safety officer. MSU BI runs an internship program to allow college students to learn about working in research, to tour local industries, and to learn about business operations such as patents. They have had about 70 interns from 20 different schools. The interns go on to graduate school or into industry after completing their internships. The research is concentrated on "green" technologies. In the last few years there has been a dramatic decrease in the cost of solar and wind generation. These technologies are now the least expensive ways to generate electricity. The challenge is to develop methods to store the energy until it is needed. Worldwide about a billion people have no reliable access to electric power. Energy can be stored by mechanical, thermal, chemical, or electrical methods. MSU BI has concentrated on flow battery technology. In this type of battery, the chemical fuel moves through the cell to maintain the storage capability. Flow batteries can be scaled up to very large sizes for municipal use. The technology being pursued uses biological elements to replace the usual toxic and rare components. MSU BI has created a commercial venture called Jolt Energy to market the batteries. |
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Big Rotary Party! St Patrick's DaySt Patrick's Day PartyJoin us for the first event where all the Holland, Zeeland, Allendale Grand Haven, Rotary, Rotaract and Interact Clubs come together to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Hosted by the Lakeshore United Rotaract Club. We start the event off with 30 minutes from the West Ottawa Jazz 1 Band – “One of the best kept secrets of the Holland/Zeeland area”. Members of this top Jazz band at West Ottawa are consistently accepted to U of M, Mi State, Western, Central Michigan and Interlochen band programs. Then we finish with an hour of meeting and mingling with the coolest people doing wonderful things in our world! Please be sure to register as a guest at the following link so that we can prepare to have enough food and drink for everybody! |
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Afghan Family RequestsAfghan Family RequestsWe have secured permanent housing for our Afghan family. A list of needed items for their living areas was mailed out earlier. If you have items on the list that you wish to donate, please take a picture and send it to Carol Swart. Items do not need to be brand new but should be in good condition. Someone will contact you about donating the item. Carol's email is carol.lynn.swart@gmail.com.
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Last Week at Rotary Mar 3, 2022Club UpdatesWe are anticipating the arrival of our inbound exchange students at the end of summer. If you know of anyone who is interested in hosting an exchange student, please let our Rotary Youth Exchange committee numbers know. 20th Circuit CourtOur speaker was Holland Rotarian John Van Allsberg, 20th Circuit Court Chief Judge. John gave us a brief civics refresher course on the makeup of the US justice system. There are 3 levels of courts in both federal and state systems: Supreme court, Appeals Courts, and Trial Courts. In the state of Michigan the District Courts are the appeals courts and the Circuit Courts are the trial courts. However, District Courts handle civil cases and misdemeanors while felony cases start in the Circuit Courts but go to trial in the District courts. Circuit Courts handle family and business cases with family being the largest division. Family courts handle domestic relations, child welfare, adoptions, juvenile trials, criminal and civil Personal Protection Orders (PPO), recovery of assets, and research. The state of Michigan conducts periodic reviews of court operations. In the last review they determined that Ottawa County needed an additional Circuit Judge. A judge for this position will be elected in the November election. From 2003-2021 there has been a downwards trend in the number of criminal and civil cases in Ottawa County. In the same period there was a large decline in juvenile cases. John attributes this to a large use of alternative resolutions other than court settlements. The courts work with non-profits in Ottawa County that offer mediation, counseling, substance abuse and other services. The remaining juvenile cases are extremely difficult situations. The pandemic was an extremely challenging time for the Ottawa County Justice system. Trials continued during the pandemic; however jury trials were paused multiple times. The state of Michigan negotiated a contract with Zoom just before the pandemic started because they were exploring the use of on-line methods. When the pandemic hit every Judge in the state already had a license for the Zoom videoconferencing software. There are positives and negatives to on-line hearings and trials. Having on-line capability has significantly increased attendance at court proceedings. Judges learned to look carefully at the background of the video to make sure that the person attending was not in a car driving down the road! Another challenge was to make sure that people who would ordinarily not be allowed in the courtroom were not able to hear the proceedings. A study found that on-line hearings take about 1/3 longer than in person hearings. A particular challenge is to display exhibits so they can be seen on every device that the participants might use. An advantage for attorneys is that they can attend hearings for clients in multiple courts without having to travel. A short video hearing does save time over an in-person hearing. Ottawa County courts have been working hard to provide efficiency and access to justice for the citizens. Courts in Michigan are ranked on a number of factors by the state and Ottawa County has been at the top of the list. Last year there were 1700 cases in the trial courts and 56 actual trials. The courts collected about a half million dollars in restitution for crime victims. The Friend of the Court system is rated by the federal government and receives high ratings. 80% of child support due is collected in the month it is due. Ottawa County also has On-line Dispute Resolution software to help resolve disputes and connect with mediators when needed. Ottawa County has the only accredited juvenile center in the state of Michigan. The center offers many services, including schooling for those juveniles who are not welcome at any other school. |
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Last Week at Rotary Feb 24, 2022Club UpdatesOur Afghan refugee family visited the club today. We can use volunteers to help with transportation as they have many appointments. More permanent housing is coming soon and we will need help furnishing this space. |
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Rotary Youth Exchange 2022 All D6290 RYE Outbounds along with DG Gary Chenoweth and RYE District committee members Megan Wigmore (chair), Catherine Ristola Bass, Lindsay Dickinson, and Kristin Salathiel. Holland Outbounds Brisa (Taiwan) and Kierian (India) at the Rotary Youth Exchange conference this past weekend in Traverse City. |
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Last Week at Rotary Feb 17, 2022Club UpdatesWe continue to look for housing for the Afghan refugee family being sponsored by our club, Holland After Hours Rotary Club, and Central Park Reformed Church. Holland Rotary WebsiteOur club website has a wealth of information available for members and the general public. The information can be divided into the following areas. Reference InformationThe top menu contains links to stories, minutes, reports, bylaws, and our constitution.  On the right column are the old eBulletins for reference. Upcoming EventsThe calendar link in the top menu will take you to the full menu of club activities. You can link this into your own calendar, if you want. A list of the upcoming speakers is listed in the right column of the web page. Upcoming Meeting InformationThe center column of the webpage contains information on the most recent previous meeting and the upcoming meeting. The names of the people who signed up for greeting and announcing visitors are listed in the left column. New Member RecruitingAt the top of the left column is an "Interested in Holland Rotary?" box that contains links to items of interest to potential members. There are other items, such as the "Holland Rotary Snapshot" on the top menu. Local and International Rotary ConnectionsOn the left side are two boxes, "Rotary International Links" and "Nearby Rotary Clubs" point to information on the international website, such as the foundation, and to nearby Rotary Clubs that you may wish to visit.  These two links on the left side of the webpage will take you to the search page for any Rotary Club worldwide and our district website. CommunicationsOn the left side of the website is a list of club officers, directors, committee chairs, and others. If you click on their name, you can send a brief message. This is an easy way to ask a question. In the upper right corner, there is a "Member Login" that will take you to a login page. After you enter your name and password, the link will change to "Member Area". Clicking on this will take you to another page where you can click "Membership" and then "Members List" to get to all the details on our club members.
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Last Week at Rotary Feb 10, 2022Club UpdatesWe are looking for volunteers to coordinate bleacher seating for the Tulip Time Parades and to help with running our Leaders for the 21st Century program. Contact Ed Swart if you are interested. Russ Miller reported that we have a good number of students who have submitted their application to the Hope College Rotaract Club. We also have some Alumni who live in the area and will be active in the leadership. Way to go Russ! We continue to look for housing for the Afghan refugee family being sponsored by our club, Holland After Hours Rotary Club, and Central Park Reformed Church. Kathy DeVries was elected President Elect Nominee and is expected to server as our president for the 2023-24 Rotary Year. Thanks, Kathy, for your willingness to serve. Ottawa County Department of Strategic ImpactPaul Sachs, Ottawa County Director of Strategic Impact, was our speaker. He described the county "Gateways for Growth" (G4G) program. The department works on planning programs that will ensure the quality of life and economic development in Ottawa County. Ottawa County was incorporated in 1837 and has been the fastest growing county in the state for a number of years. The population increase between 2010 and 2020 was 12.3% or 32,339 new citizens. Our county population is currently just under 300,000. About 1% of that increase was due to immigration. About 5% of residents in Ottawa County are foreign born. The G4G program looks for ways to foster inclusiveness in the county and receives funding from 2 non-profit groups, New American Economy and Welcoming America. The benefits of welcoming immigrants are great since 1 in 5 entrepreneurs are foreign born and in 2019 there were 700 new or preserved jobs due to immigrants. Nationally 44% of the Fortune 500 companies were started by immigrants. The initial focus of the county was to collect detailed statistics that could be used to identify and develop needed assistance. The data pointed to the following areas of focus: healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, construction and IT. The data has been supplemented by personal stories from county residents. This research is now available to the county for developing strategies. |
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Last Week at Rotary Feb 3, 2022Sponsored Afghan Family UpdateThe Afghan refugee family being sponsored by our club, Holland After Hours Rotary Club, and Central Park Reformed Church has been here a week. The family was taken around the Holland area and shown many of the significant places. There is also a possible lead on housing. If you have any household items that you want to donate, hold onto them until we know what will be needed. Rotary contacts for the resettlement project are Elizabeth Scott, Kent Fry, David Beatie, and Sandy Hansen. Housing NextRyan Kilpatrick updated us on the work of the Housing Next organization. They are a 4-year-old organization that is part of the United Way. Housing Next works with municipalities, developers and other organizations to facilitate the development of needed housing in Ottawa County. Because of the price of construction most houses currently being built address the high end of the market. In order to lower housing prices there needs to be either an oversupply of homes or subsidized housing. Housing next is currently involved in 3 developments in Holland. Hom Flats in Holland Township and Lakewood Flats in Holland are targeted for families with incomes between 40% and 80% of mean income. Currently this is $25,000 - $65,000 annual income. Hom Flats on Waverly is targeted for 40% - 100% of mean income. These developments are funded using Low Income Housing Tax Credit. Housing Next is also involved in the Habitat for Humanity/Jubilee Ministries development that we heard about 2 weeks ago. They have also developed housing in Grand Haven that can be replicated. This development has family homes with a selling price of $140,000. With the large increase in jobs in the Holland area housing is still behind. Rental housing has increased so that it is almost keeping up with demand. However, new housing is lagging way behind what is needed. Ryan showed statistics comparing homogeneous developments with mixed housing developments. Mixed developments have more housing units per area, a higher taxable value, more students, and a lower price. As part of the LG Chem expansion there will be $10 million for long-term low-interest housing loans. |
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Last Week at Rotary - Jan 27, 2022Sponsored Afghan Family UpdateThe Afghan refugee family being sponsored by our club, Holland After Hours Rotary Club, and Central Park Reformed Church arrived yesterday. They were met at Ford Airport by a delegation and moved into their temporary housing. The family consists of a father, mother, 2 adult daughters, and a teenage son. The father worked for the BBC in Afghanistan. The welcoming delegation fed them dinner in their new house and stocked the kitchen with food. Opportunities to help with this project include transportation to and from appointments, recreational activities, and helping them get acquainted with Holland. We will need to find them permanent housing in a few months. So, if you have extra household items to furnish their new living quarters, set them aside. They will need housing with 3-4 bedrooms for about $1200/month. Rotary contacts for the resettlement project are Elizabeth Scott, Kent Fry, David Beatie, and Sandy Hansen. Outbound Exchange StudentsBrisa Sanchez Valdez and Kierian Overbeek are our outbound exchange students for the next school year. They are both students at Holland High School. They (and we) learned from clues about the country where they will be spending their year. Brisa will be in Taiwan and Kierian will be in India. |
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Last Week at Rotary - Jan 20, 2022Our speakers were Andy Bass and Gary Morris. Their families both power their houses using solar panels. Andy gave an overview of renewable power sources. Renewable resources are currently limited as to the amount of energy generation. Some sources such as water and biomass have tradeoffs. Converting a house to solar use is the equivalent of planting 150 trees based on carbon reduction. Home solar systems are sized to provide 85% of the electricity needs. Michigan is in 36th place in solar power generation of all of the states. Significant jobs are created by solar power as well as electricity. Gary talked about the economic side of home solar energy. The cost per kW for a house is more than a commercial building because of economies of scale. The Morris home solar installation cost was about $19,000. This cost is offset by federal tax credits for installation and by energy offsets. Gary projected his payback to be 12-13 years with the policies in effect at the time. His solar system has a projected 20 year lifetime. Payback calculations are changing based on carbon fuel price uncertainty, decreasing federal tax credits, and changes in how utilities calculate credits for electricity generated for the grid.
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special announcement: Marvin Younger wins award!Join the City and Holland Public Schools online for a Community Celebration of the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 17 at 12 pm. Join the livestream at youtu.be/RFz1pAb9_Wo  Speaker Joseph Jones Speeches from HPS students first ever MLK Community Service Award presented to Marvin Younger! Marvin Younger 2022 MLK Service Award For your work removing barriers towards the advancement of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the Holland area. |
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Last Week at Rotary - Jan 13, 2022Our speaker was Don Wilkinson, the Executive Director of Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity. Lakeshore Habitat is the Holland-based chapter of the international organization. Our chapter is in the top 5-8 chapters in the state of Michigan for home production. In the time that the Lakeshore chapter has been working in our community, they have built homes for 659 people (adults and children). This was made possible by 375,000 hours in volunteer time. The families living in Habitat homes have paid over $300,000 in taxes and more than 20 have completely paid off their mortgages. According to research, a family living in a home that they own leads to more family stability, neighborhood connectedness, better education for the family, and more community interactions. Lakeshore Habitat is switching its model from building homes on single lots to working on multi-residence developments. The current housing development is Vista Green off of 40th Street. This is a partnership with Jubilee Ministries. Habitat has the first 5 houses completed or under construction. They will eventually build 18 houses and Jubilee will contribute 23 modular homes to the development. The homes are centered around a common area for community gatherings. The development is expected to be completed in 3 years. The first family to move in was the Rodriguez Matos family who are refugees from Cuba. Members of our Rotary Club helped with this build.
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Last Week at Rotary - Jan 6, 2022Our speaker was Kristin Armstrong from the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SC4A). She is also a member of the Saugatuck-Douglas Rotary Club. The SC4A is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Their programs are run out of a remodeled industrial building, which they further modified during the pandemic to allow more outdoor activities. Their main purpose is to connect people through the arts. They achieve this through entertainment, exhibits, and education. Their building houses an art creation space, a display gallery, a small theatre, and a 410 seat indoor theatre. However, their programming covers a 5 county area reaching both adults and children. They are also the only Michigan affiliate of the Mountainfilm festival from Telluride CO. She invited all of us to stop by and enjoy their offerings!
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Meeting Policy from the Board of DirectorsDear Rotarian friends, Our board took a long look at the Covid numbers for our region and with heavy hearts voted unanimously to suspend in-person club meetings for all of January 2022. Our desire to be together is only outweighed by our concern for all club members and those they love. The world is weary of this difficult situation that demands flexibility and forbearance. The board is guided by the Ottawa County Health Department Covid risk assessment: we will reconvene our in-person meetings when the risk is lowered from High (currently) to Substantial (<10% positivity rate and < 100 cases/100K population). We will revisit the risk level according to the OCHD at our January board meeting and will then decide on how we will meet for the month of February. We hope for an improved situation in all respects--less illness and a safer possibility of meeting in person. As a result of this decision, all dues will be billed at $220 for Jan 1 - June 30, 2022 and lunches will be cash or check with a weekly RSVP when we can be in person. Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you on zoom starting at noon on Jan 6, 2022 and we can enjoy together the good programs lined up for your edification and entertainment. On behalf of the board, Catherine Ristola Bass, president Rotary Club of Holland |
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January is Vocational Service Month |
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2021 Rotary OrnamentsTravelling OrnamentsCharlie Soria shared some pictures from people who had received our Holland Rotary ornaments as gifts. There is also an excerpt of an email from Past President Wendy Piper.  |
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2021 Bell RingingBell Ringing with Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and Exchange Students! Mariah Stewart, Tia Peterson, Joshua Elwood, Michael Elwood, Charles Elwood  David Beattie, Auriz (former inbound from Brazil), Martha Beattie, Outbound Brisa Sanchez-Valdez, Catherine Ristola Bass |
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Link to the Vocal Dimensions show to enjoy at your leisureWhile we were excited to see them live, here is the next best thing: the link so you can watch it as often as you would like! This concert was recorded at First Reformed - Holland on December 10, 2021. The sound will be better when you replay it yourself and not running through my laptop speakers.  |
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Mona Shores Interact!Check out this great news story about Interact. Thanks to Lori Varner for sending this on, please submit any stories of interest to CatherineRB@yahoo.com |
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HANWASH donations for Haiti Earthquake relief Thanks to John Gronberg for the update, more info here: https://www.hanwash.org/
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July 1, 2021 Changing of the PresidentJoin our Meeting! Please join us for a wonderful lunch and Rotary Meeting at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club on Thursday, July 1. Please don't forget your $15 to cover the cost of lunch, which includes tip. Please encourage those from other Rotary groups that would like come to join us as well. Registration is required, the sooner the better!
Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic
Corporate / Business Members:
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May 13, 2021 Meeting - Betsy FreemanJoin our Meeting! Please join us for a wonderful lunch and Rotary Meeting at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club on Thursday 05-13-2021 Please don't forget your $15 to cover the cost of lunch, which includes tip. Please encourage those from other Rotary groups that would like come to join us as well. Registration is required, the sooner the better!
We will also be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting at the same time. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! This week our speaker is Betsy Freeman CEO of Radious Advisory Group . Betsy will talk about how every business has or is part of a a supply chain. She is finding that's where cyber criminals are currently focusing a lot of their efforts. Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic The Heather and Tom Show: We have decided to relinquish our Communication duties. We have certainly enjoyed our work as Publicity Chair, Club Service Chair, Newsletter / e-Bulletin Chair, and Web Site Committee Chair, but it is time for other, more younger people to step up. We are definitively not leaving Rotary! Please let Rebecca, Catherine, or us know if you are interested in all our duties or any individual piece. Corporate / Business Members:
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May 06, 2021 Meeting - Aaron ThelenwoodJoin our Meeting! Please join us for a wonderful lunch and Rotary Meeting at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club on Thursday 04-29-2021 Please don't forget your $15 to cover the cost of lunch, which includes tip. Please encourage those from other Rotary groups that would like come to join us as well. Registration is required, the sooner the better!
We will also be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting at the same time. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! This week our speaker is Aaron Thelenwood, West Michigan Airport Authority and new Director. Aaron will will talk about the airport and update on how it is doing and how it did during the pandemic. Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic The Heather and Tom Show: We have decided to relinquish our Communication duties. We have certainly enjoyed our work as Publicity Chair, Club Service Chair, Newsletter / e-Bulletin Chair, and Web Site Committee Chair, but it is time for other, more younger people to step up. We are definitively not leaving Rotary! Please let Rebecca, Catherine, or us know if you are interested in all our duties or any individual piece. Corporate / Business Members:
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April 29, 2021 Meeting - Brian MorsehouseJoin our Meeting! Please join us for a wonderful lunch and Rotary Meeting at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club on Thursday 04-29-2021 Please don't forget your $15 to cover the cost of lunch, which includes tip. Please encourage those from other Rotary groups that would like come to join us as well. Registration is required, the sooner the better!
We will also be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting at the same time. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
This week our speaker is Brian Morsehouse. Brian will discuss Hope College Women's Basketball. From Michelle Boerger volunteers@tuliptime.com Hello! Just wanted to touch base with our friends from Rotary and share about opportunities to volunteer. For any members feeling ok about being out and about, we have some safe ways to join in this year. please visit www.tuliptime.volunteerhub.com for more information! Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic The Heather and Tom Show: We have decided to relinquish our Communication duties. We have certainly enjoyed our work as Publicity Chair, Club Service Chair, Newsletter / e-Bulletin Chair, and Web Site Committee Chair, but it is time for other, more younger people to step up. We are definitively not leaving Rotary! Please let Rebecca, Catherine, or us know if you are interested in all our duties or any individual piece. Corporate / Business Members:
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April 22, 2021 Meeting - Joe MatthewsJoin our Meeting! Please join us for a wonderful lunch and Rotary Meeting at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club on Thursday 04-22-2021 Please don't forget your $15 to cover the cost of lunch, which includes tip. Please encourage those from other Rotary groups that would like come to join us as well. Registration is required, the sooner the better!
We will also be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting at the same time. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
This week our speaker is Joe Matthews. Joe is VP of Purchasing and Diversity Officer at Gentex. Learn what Gentex is doing in DEI and how the company is doing facing Covid19.
Holland Rotary Great Lakes Watershed Clean Up: For the club, there is an additional community clean up activity for the morning of 4/24—9am—we are meeting at Kollen Park for a pre-Tulip Time clean up. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring gloves as we will be picking up trash. Bags to be provided. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0945aaa929aa8-holland1
From Michelle Boerger volunteers@tuliptime.com Hello! Just wanted to touch base with our friends from Rotary and share about opportunities to volunteer. For any members feeling ok about being out and about, we have some safe ways to join in this year. please visit www.tuliptime.volunteerhub.com for more information! Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic The Heather and Tom Show: We have decided to relinquish our Communication duties. We have certainly enjoyed our work as Publicity Chair, Club Service Chair, Newsletter / e-Bulletin Chair, and Web Site Committee Chair, but it is time for other, more younger people to step up. We are definitively not leaving Rotary! Please let Rebecca, Catherine, or us know if you are interested in all our duties or any individual piece. Corporate / Business Members:
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April 15, 2021 Meeting - Club AssemblyJoin our Meeting! Please join us for a wonderful lunch and Rotary Meeting at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club on Thursday 04-15-2021 Please don't forget your $15 to cover the cost of lunch, which includes tip. Please encourage those from other Rotary groups that would like come to join us as well. Registration is required, the sooner the better! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QGHGLD9 We will also be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting at the same time. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
This week is Club Assembly. 8am Veldheer’s Tulip Farm on Saturday 4/17 Our 1st highway clean up date will be Saturday April 17th…..rain out date would be April 24th . -Ed Swart will take over the daily activities as Mike Morrow will be out of town on the 17th. -vests and bags to be provided by Rotary. -please reply to Mike and Elizabeth if you can attend -Ed Swart will be running the event as Mike will be out of town. -any sections not cleaned would be done on 4/24. Holland Rotary Great Lakes Watershed Clean Up: For the club, there is an additional community clean up activity for the morning of 4/24—9am—we are meeting at Kollen Park for a pre-Tulip Time clean up. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring gloves as we will be picking up trash. Bags to be provided. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0945aaa929aa8-holland1
From Michelle Boerger volunteers@tuliptime.com Hello! Just wanted to touch base with our friends from Rotary and share about opportunities to volunteer. For any members feeling ok about being out and about, we have some safe ways to join in this year. please visit www.tuliptime.volunteerhub.com for more information! Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic The Heather and Tom Show: We have decided to relinquish our Communication duties. We have certainly enjoyed our work as Publicity Chair, Club Service Chair, Newsletter / e-Bulletin Chair, and Web Site Committee Chair, but it is time for other, more younger people to step up. We are definitively not leaving Rotary! Please let Rebecca, Catherine, or us know if you are interested in all our duties or any individual piece. Corporate / Business Members:
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April 1, 2021 Meeting - Andrew Hoekstr & Tess SinkeJoin our Meeting! We will be holding an in person Rotary meeting this Thursday, April 1th at 12 Noon at the Salvation Army - 104 Clover St., Holland. Please bring your lunch! We will also be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting at the same time. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! Future meeting sites: April 8 – Zoom only Starting April 15, At Macatawa Bay Yacht Club and Zoom
This week's speakers are Andrew Hoekstr & Tess Sinke. They will be talking about a New Professional Ballet Company in Holland. Please see the poster at the end for more information.
Save the Date: Our 1st highway clean up date will be Saturday April 17th…..rain out date would be April 24th - details to follow.
Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic . Corporate / Business Members:
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March 25, 2021 Meeting - Matt VandykenJoin our Meeting! We will be holding an in person Rotary meeting this Thursday, March 25th at 12 Noon at the Salvation Army - 104 Clover St., Holland. Please bring your lunch! We will also be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting at the same time. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
This week's speaker is Matt Vandyken, Holland Assistant City Manager for the city of Holland. He will be talking about what projects are taking place in the City, the growth, and how the City is doing during the pandemic.
Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic . Corporate / Business Members:
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March 18, 2021 Meeting - Mandy CooperJoin our Meeting! We will be holding an in person Rotary meeting this Thursday, March 18th at 12 Noon at the Salvation Army - 104 Clover St., Holland. Please bring your lunch! We will also be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting at the same time. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
This week's speaker is Mandy Cooper, Lakeshore Advantage.
Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic . Corporate / Business Members:
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March 11, 2021 Meeting - Don TriezenBerg - UpdateJoin our Meeting! We will be holding an in person Rotary meeting this Thursday, March 11th at 12 Noon at the Salvation Army - 104 Clover St., Holland. Please bring your lunch! We will also be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting at the same time. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
No In person meeting: We will be only meeting via Zoom for at least the next couple of weeks. This week's speaker is Don TriezenBerg, West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC).
YOUR ROTARY HELP IS NEEDED by the COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE On Saturday, March 13, our Rotary club will assist with the Habitat for Humanity build on 40th Street. We have an 8-12 morning shift and a 1-4 afternoon shift on March 13. Each shift has openings for 8-10 helpers. From 12-1 there is a picnic lunch for all volunteers. You could sign up for either the morning shift or the afternoon shift. CAN YOU HELP? Additionally, we will need a volunteer to make the picnic lunch for about 25 workers. Sandwiches, drinks, cookies, chips would make a great picnic. We will be working on the new home of the Rodrigues-Matos Family who have been in Holland about 4 years. For information or to sign-up contact Donna or Gary Bogle at 616-422-0741 or donna_bogle@hotmail.com.
Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic . Corporate / Business Members:
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March 04, 2021 Zoom Meeting - Gwen AuwerdaJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday March 4th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
No In person meeting: We will be only meeting via Zoom for at least the next couple of weeks. This week's speaker is Gwen Auwerda, Tulip Time Executive Director. She will talk about What will Tulip Time look like this year.
YOUR ROTARY HELP IS NEEDED by the COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE On Saturday, March 13, our Rotary club will assist with the Habitat for Humanity build on 40th Street. We have an 8-12 morning shift and a 1-4 afternoon shift on March 13. Each shift has openings for 8-10 helpers. From 12-1 there is a picnic lunch for all volunteers. You could sign up for either the morning shift or the afternoon shift. CAN YOU HELP? Additionally, we will need a volunteer to make the picnic lunch for about 25 workers. Sandwiches, drinks, cookies, chips would make a great picnic. We will be working on the new home of the Rodrigues-Matos Family who have been in Holland about 4 years. For information or to sign-up contact Donna or Gary Bogle at 616-422-0741 or donna_bogle@hotmail.com.
Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic . Corporate / Business Members:
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February 25, 2021 Zoom Meeting - Alex DotyJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday February 25th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
No In person meeting: We will be only meeting via Zoom for at least the next couple of weeks. This week's speaker is Alex Doty , Ottawa County Road Commission.
YOUR ROTARY HELP IS NEEDED by the COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE On Saturday, March 13, our Rotary club will assist with the Habitat for Humanity build on 40th Street. We have an 8-12 morning shift and a 1-4 afternoon shift on March 13. Each shift has openings for 8-10 helpers. From 12-1 there is a picnic lunch for all volunteers. You could sign up for either the morning shift or the afternoon shift. CAN YOU HELP? Additionally, we will need a volunteer to make the picnic lunch for about 25 workers. Sandwiches, drinks, cookies, chips would make a great picnic. We will be working on the new home of the Rodrigues-Matos Family who have been in Holland about 4 years. For information or to sign-up contact Donna or Gary Bogle at 616-422-0741 or donna_bogle@hotmail.com.
Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic . Corporate / Business Members:
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February 18, 2021 Zoom Meeting - Tim JungelJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday February 18th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
No In person meeting: We will be only meeting via Zoom for at least the next couple of weeks. This week's speaker is Tim Jungel, Zeeland Police Chief. His subject is "First department in West Michigan to get body cams". Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic . Corporate / Business Members:
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February 11, 2021 Zoom Meeting - Evan PazkowskiJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday February 1th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
No In person meeting: We will be only meeting via Zoom for at least the next couple of weeks. This week's speaker is Evan Pazkowski, Regional Development Specialist for Kids Food Basket . His subject is "Kids Food Basket new Holland location and how they did during the Pandemic". Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic . Corporate / Business Members:
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February 04, 2021 Zoom Meeting - Bob VanderPolJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday February 04th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
No In person meeting: We will be only meeting via Zoom for at least the next couple of weeks. This week's speaker is Bob VanderPol (Pine Rest). His subject is "Mental Healthy during a Pandemic". Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic . Corporate / Business Members:
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January 28, 2021 Zoom Meeting - Mark BennettJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday January 28st at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
No In person meeting: We will be only meeting via Zoom for at least the next couple of weeks. Ever wonder what it is like to be on the field during a big ten game? Captain Mark Bennett with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department knows because in his spare time he is a Big Ten Referee! He is our speaker this week!
Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic. Corporate / Business Members:
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January 21, 2021 Zoom Meeting - John SaidJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday January 21st at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
No In person meeting: We will be only meeting via Zoom for at least the next couple of weeks. This week our speaker is John Said, Holland Township Community Development Director - his subject is the new Vision Plan for the township.
Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic. Corporate / Business Members:
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January 14, 2021 Zoom Meeting - Don LamJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday January 14th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
No In person meeting: We will be only meeting via Zoom for at least the next couple of weeks. This week our speaker is Don Lam - his subject is Bee Keeping. Don is an officer of the Holland Area Beekeepers Association and he has been a bee keeper for 25 years.
Notice to Program Chairs: A friendly reminder that if you need to schedule any dates in 2021 for doing presentation to the club, please get me your dates so I can add them to speaker calendar. January is full and part of February is filled up. Look at the calendar that is posted in the newsletter and any dates not listed means that it is open. Please email Lori Varner: lvarner@suburbaninns.com with your date and topic. Corporate / Business Members:
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January 7, 2021 Zoom Meeting - Linda Kaiser
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December 31, 2020 New Years BreakNo Meeting This Week!!   Subject: Habitat House Build for Saturday! Dear Friends, The weather for Saturday's Habitat work day on Saturday, January 2 looks pretty good. Low chance for precipitation and moderate temperatures. I've attached the volunteer schedule below in case you need a reminder for which shift(s) you signed up for. The morning shift begins at 8:00, and volunteers are invited to stay for lunch at noon. The afternoon shift starts at 1:00, but volunteers are invited to arrive at noon for lunch. Mary Powers will provide a snack (Mary - please bring individually wrapped snacks for 12 by 9:00 AM). LaVonne and Brian Clark will provide lunch (LaVonne and Brian - please bring individually packaged lunches for 12 by noon). The address is 60 East 40th St. Please wear a mask, and don't come if you have COVID symptoms or if you have not completed the required quarantine after coming into close contact with a COVID-sufferer. The morning shift will work mostly inside. There will be some outside work in the afternoon. We had a lot of fun during our first work day a couple of weeks ago. I look forward to enjoying another wonderful day with you on Saturday! Rich Ray |
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December 24, 2020 Christmas BreakNo Meeting This Week!!  |
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December 17, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Eva-Merce' Fuentes
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December 10, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Club Assembly
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December 03, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Club Assembly
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November 26, 2020 No Meeting
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November 19, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Pete Hoffswel
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November 05, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Garret Tinney
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October 29, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Ken Freestone
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October 22, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Lynsey Hargrove
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October 8, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Nicholas RolinskJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday October 8th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
Our speaker at Rotary will be Nicholas Rolinsk. His subject will be The Urbanism of Downtown Holland : Past and Present.
From last week's meeting: Robyn Afrik and Ricki Levine asked us to share the link below: The Power of Belonging: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Ottawa County. Note from Club Chaplain Larry Schuyler: We learned that Dr. Chuck Huttar, a former, long-time member of our Holland Rotary Club, suffered a stroke a couple of weeks ago. He is currently in rehab at MaryFreeBed. Greetings and notes of encouragement can be sent to his home 188 W. 11th Street Holland MI 49423. Corporate / Business Members:
, Chairman of the Board for the Civil War Muster. Rick will immerse us in history as he talks about the re-enactors that take part in the VanRaalt Farm Civil War Muster. Because of Covid-19 the muster did not take place this past year but Rick has some exciting things to share for the plans they have in 2021! Stroll with Rick and explore the historic era at our meeting next week as we welcome him to our Rotary family! A Meeting Suggestion: From out Board of Directors: For our members who want to participate in our meetings when we go live but are not comfortable with an in-person meeting get together, we would suggest they join with other members (social distancing of course) at their home for joint ZOOM togetherness! We would invite members to do so and ask for ZOOM homes that may be willing to have other Rotarians join them for comradery sake. Corporate / Business Members:
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October 1, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Robyn Afrik and Ricki LevineJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday October 1st at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
Our speaker at Rotary will be Robyn Afrik and Ricki Levine. Their subject will be The Power of Belonging: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Ottawa County.
A Meeting Suggestion: From out Board of Directors: For our members who want to participate in our meetings when we go live but are not comfortable with an in-person meeting get together, we would suggest they join with other members (social distancing of course) at their home for joint ZOOM togetherness! We would invite members to do so and ask for ZOOM homes that may be willing to have other Rotarians join them for comradery sake.
Highway Clean-up Saturday, September 26, 8:00 am Thanks to all who helped from Rotary and Grace Episcopal Church!
 Corporate / Business Members:
, Chairman of the Board for the Civil War Muster. Rick will immerse us in history as he talks about the re-enactors that take part in the VanRaalt Farm Civil War Muster. Because of Covid-19 the muster did not take place this past year but Rick has some exciting things to share for the plans they have in 2021! Stroll with Rick and explore the historic era at our meeting next week as we welcome him to our Rotary family! A Meeting Suggestion: From out Board of Directors: For our members who want to participate in our meetings when we go live but are not comfortable with an in-person meeting get together, we would suggest they join with other members (social distancing of course) at their home for joint ZOOM togetherness! We would invite members to do so and ask for ZOOM homes that may be willing to have other Rotarians join them for comradery sake. Corporate / Business Members:
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September 24, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Rick VeenhovenJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday September 24th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
Our speaker next week at Rotary will be Rick Veenhoven, Chairman of the Board for the Civil War Muster. Rick will immerse us in history as he talks about the re-enactors that take part in the VanRaalte Farm Civil War Muster. Because of Covid-19 the muster did not take place this past year but Rick has some exciting things to share for the plans they have in 2021! Stroll with Rick and explore the historic era at our meeting next week as we welcome him to our Rotary family!
A Meeting Suggestion: From out Board of Directors: For our members who want to participate in our meetings when we go live but are not comfortable with an in-person meeting get together, we would suggest they join with other members (social distancing of course) at their home for joint ZOOM togetherness! We would invite members to do so and ask for ZOOM homes that may be willing to have other Rotarians join them for comradery sake.
Highway Clean-up Saturday, September 26, 8:00 am Rain out date October 3. So you're asking yourself, what happens when bubble gum gets stuck on a pop can? They both sometimes (LOTS of times!) end up becoming trash on our highways! So here's your chance to keep Holland beautiful! On Saturday, September 26, we're going to ask that you join your friends in Rotary and help us clean-up other roadside "goodies" on U.S. 31. You'll not only have fun and meet other people you might not know as well, but also will provide a service to our community by cleaning up part of this highly visible road! Meet at 8 a.m. at Veldheer's Tulip Farm (right on U.S. 31) on September 26. We need as many Rotarians as possible to meet at Veldheer's Tulip Farm (right on U.S. 31) at 8 a.m.! Mike Moraw will bring the bags for the "treasure hunt", coffee (most important!) and our SPIFFY new (Spring-like even!) yellow Rotary or Michigan DOT green (Summer-like?) work vests. All you have to bring is your energy and work gloves. Oh, did we forget to mention...you get a make-up meeting credit for coming out to help? If you haven’t noticed, Rotary has a sign on US 31 letting our neighbors know that this 2 mile stretch is ours”. Please let Mike know if you and your smile can be a part of this clean up for our own little piece of Holland...let's make it beautiful for Tulip Time and summer...and THANKS! Mike.moraw@huntington.com or cell 616-836-5524. Corporate / Business Members:
, Chairman of the Board for the Civil War Muster. Rick will immerse us in history as he talks about the re-enactors that take part in the VanRaalt Farm Civil War Muster. Because of Covid-19 the muster did not take place this past year but Rick has some exciting things to share for the plans they have in 2021! Stroll with Rick and explore the historic era at our meeting next week as we welcome him to our Rotary family! A Meeting Suggestion: From out Board of Directors: For our members who want to participate in our meetings when we go live but are not comfortable with an in-person meeting get together, we would suggest they join with other members (social distancing of course) at their home for joint ZOOM togetherness! We would invite members to do so and ask for ZOOM homes that may be willing to have other Rotarians join them for comradery sake. Corporate / Business Members:
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September 17, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Tory RichardsonJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday September 17th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
Join via Zoom for our speaker Tory Richardson, CEO and President of Gerald Ford International Airport. Tory will discuss how the airport weathered the pandemic, the new campaign it launched and safety and cleaning protocols that they put in place. A Meeting Suggestion: From out Board of Directors: For our members who want to participate in our meetings when we go live but are not comfortable with an in-person meeting get together, we would suggest they join with other members (social distancing of course) at their home for joint ZOOM togetherness! We would invite members to do so and ask for ZOOM homes that may be willing to have other Rotarians join them for comradery sake. Corporate / Business Members:
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September 10, 2020 Meeting - Jon CatlinJoin our District Governor Meeting! On Sept 10th, District Gov. Jon Catlin will be joining us. We have confirmed lunch at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club. People will need to let Rebecca know if they are coming and eating lunch. This will need to be done by Sept. 7th in order to let Macatawa Bay Yacht Club know. If the Rotarian meal choice is regular or vegan (they will have to let us know if they want a vegan meal when they sign up). We will have to have at least 25 people in attendance for the District Gov. in order to get the facility. The sooner we know the better! You can email Rebecca at rlamper@michiganfirst.com Do not send responses to Heather and Tom! We will also try holding a Zoom Rotary meeting as well, in order to accommodate those who cannot make it. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! A Meeting Suggestion: From out Board of Directors: For our members who want to participate in our meetings when we go live but are not comfortable with an in-person meeting get together, we would suggest they join with other members (social distancing of course) at their home for joint ZOOM togetherness! We would invite members to do so and ask for ZOOM homes that may be willing to have other Rotarians join them for comradery sake.
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September 3, 2020 Meeting - Brian DavisJoin our Special Outdoor Meeting! We will be holding a special meeting at Smallenburg Park this Thursday, September 3rd weather permitting!! at 12 Noon. In case you are not familiar, Smallenburg is a family oriented park and playground adjoined by the Bouws outdoor community pool and the Holland Municipal Stadium which is used for interscholastic football and soccer for area schools and Hope College. * Boundless Playground - ADA Accessible donated by the Rotary Club * Grills * Picnic Tables * Large group shelter. It is located at 16th & Fairbanks Avenue, 313 Fairbanks Avenue, Holland. There is road construction on 16th street, so Fairbanks may be the better route. We will also try holding a Zoom Rotary meeting as well, in order to accommodate those who cannot make it. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
Special Invitation! On Sept 10th, District Gov. Jon Catlin will be joining us. We have confirmed lunch at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club. People will need to let Rebecca know if they are coming and eating lunch. This will need to be done by Sept. 7th in order to let Macatawa Bay Yacht Club know. If the Rotarian meal choice is regular or vegan (they will have to let us know if they want a vegan meal when they sign up). We will have to have at least 25 people in attendance for the District Gov. in order to get the facility. The sooner we know the better! You can email Rebecca at rlamper@michiganfirst.com Do not send responses to Heather and Tom!
A Meeting Suggestion: From out Board of Directors: For our members who want to participate in our meetings when we go live but are not comfortable with an in-person meeting get together, we would suggest they join with other members (social distancing of course) at their home for joint ZOOM togetherness! We would invite members to do so and ask for ZOOM homes that may be willing to have other Rotarians join them for comradery sake.
Our Speaker this week will be Brian Davis, Superintendent of Holland Public Schools. His topic -- How will the school year look at Holland Public Schools.
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August 27, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Tim SchoonveldJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday August 27th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well!
A Meeting Suggestion: From out Board of Directors: For our members who want to participate in our meetings when we go live but are not comfortable with an in-person meeting get together, we would suggest they join with other members (social distancing of course) at their home for joint ZOOM togetherness! We would invite members to do so and ask for ZOOM homes that may be willing to have other Rotarians join them for comradery sake.
Our Speaker this week will be Tim Schoonveld, Hope College Athetic Director. His topic -- what will college sports look like this year.
Here is Jane’s address if you wish to send cards: Jane Bos 384 Harvester Road Malibu, CA 90265
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August 20, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Paul WasielewskJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday August 20th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! Our Speaker this week will be Paul Wasielewsk, MD Metro Hospital. His topic -- Stroke Prevention.
Here is Jane’s address if you wish to send cards: Jane Bos 384 Harvester Road Malibu, CA 90265
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August 13, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Esther FifelskiJoin our Special Outdoor Meeting! We will be holding a special meeting at Smallenburg Park this Thursday, June 25th weather permitting!! at 12 Noon. In case you are not familiar, Smallenburg is a family oriented park and playground adjoined by the Bouws outdoor community pool and the Holland Municipal Stadium which is used for interscholastic football and soccer for area schools and Hope College. * Boundless Playground - ADA Accessible donated by the Rotary Club * Grills * Picnic Tables * Large group shelter. It is located at 16th & Fairbanks Avenue, 313 Fairbanks Avenue, Holland. There is road construction on 16th street, so Fairbanks may be the better route. Our Speaker this week will be our very own Esther Fifelski, Human Relations Director of City of Holland. Her topic -- Esther will be giving us an update on what she has been working on during the Covo 19 pandemic and her new job duties with her new promotion .
Rotarian At Work: We have a few Rotarians in the medical profession who often cannot make it to our meetings at all. One is Dr. Bader. He operates on animals all day on Thursdays, but has been active as a Rotarian internationally, year after year. We have been fortunate to hear him talk about his work with street dogs in Guatemala as he travels there to teach new methods to those who care for animals. He has rescued and found homes for racing dogs from Spain. His current passion is street dogs in Madagascar and the vets who care for them. Here are two places on line that follow Dr. Bader’s activity protecting creatures around the world. Travelling animal doctors.org Maddoginitiative.com Corporate / Business Members:
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August 06, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Jason GargalaJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday August 6th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! Our Speaker this week will be our very own Jason Gargala. His topic -- How is the insurance company doing during Covo.
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July 30, 2020 Zoom Meeting -Â Â Allison HovingJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday July 30th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! Our Speaker this week will be Allison Hoving. Her topic -- Empowering Youth Global Connections.
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July 23, 2020 Zoom Meeting - Matt MesserJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday July 23th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! Our Speaker this week will be Chief Matt Messer. His topic -- How has Holland Police dealt with Covo 19, peaceful protest and new proposals by the Governor.
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July 16, 2020 Zoom MeetingJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday July 9th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! Our Speaker this week will be Jack Huisingh, Executive Director of Holland Aqautic Center. His subject is what will the center look like once it opens.
From Robert Ortman: They love our little bench area and they said to say thank you to all Rotarians
Volunteers for Heights of Hope Heights of Hope has a need for one-on-one tutors to work with students from Holland Heights School. They meet at the Heights of Hope Community Center on the corner of Abbey Ct and Stratford Way. Interested? Contact Laura Minkus at lauram@heightsofhope.org Corporate / Business Members:
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July 09, 2020 Zoom MeetingJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday July 9th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! Our Speaker this week will be Charles Warren. His subject is Pago Pago Dist. 9920 past Club Projects .
Sad news to Report...from our Chaplin pro tem We extend our condolences to the Baumann family upon the death of Rotarian Chet Baumann. Chet has been a long-time member of the Holland Club. Son, Steve Baumann, is a current member and son, Joe Baumann, is a former member of the club. We share their loss, and give thanks for Chet's participation in our club. May Chet rest in peace. We learn that former Holland Rotarian Jim Meier died on July 5 in Grand Rapids. Jim helped our club create an online presence and move to electronic communication. May Jim rest in peace. Larry Schuyler, Chaplain pro tem Volunteers for Heights of Hope Heights of Hope has a need for one-on-one tutors to work with students from Holland Heights School. They meet at the Heights of Hope Community Center on the corner of Abbey Ct and Stratford Way. Interested? Contact Laura Minkus at lauram@heightsofhope.org From Charles Elwood: We have completed the relocation of masks pickup/drop off distribution center from the Hoffswell house to the Beattie house. Orders were picked up last week consisting of face shields and face masks for the education sector. Many school districts are ordering masks to protect our children, friends and others during summer camps and preparing for the fall. See the numbers below for the face shields production. Also be sure to see the Lakeside Living attached to the eBulletin!  Corporate / Business Members:
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June 25, 2020 Special Outdoor Meeting!Join our Special Outdoor Meeting! We will be holding a special meeting at Smallenburg Park this Thursday, June 25th weather permitting!! at 12 Noon. In case you are not familiar, Smallenburg is a family oriented park and playground adjoined by the Bouws outdoor community pool and the Holland Municipal Stadium which is used for interscholastic football and soccer for area schools and Hope College. * Boundless Playground - ADA Accessible donated by the Rotary Club * Grills * Picnic Tables * Large group shelter. It is located at 16th & Fairbanks Avenue, 313 Fairbanks Avenue, Holland. There is road construction on 16th street, so Fairbanks may be the better route. From Wendy: My hope is to have a good attendance, weather permitting. We invite all of our members and ask you to bring a lawn chair and a lunch if you choose to do so! Right now the forecast looks to be sunny and 76 degrees….PERFECT!! If for some reason it does forecast rain that morning, we will gather via Zoom again! The meeting will be casual with the agenda of my year’s wrap up and Rebecca’s agenda and goals for her year as President ahead! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful club to lead! I am so BLESSED to be a part of my Holland Rotary Family!! ROTARIANS, COME ONE COME ALL AND REUNITE IN A PARK ATMOSPHERE!!! Wendy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - We will have our International books “Building Bridges” available at the meeting for anyone who wanted one? A donation to our own Rotary Charities is asked to go toward the production of making the books! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rotary Dines Out Thank you, Holland Rotarians, for participating in our weekly Holland Rotary Dines Out. We are happy many of you supported last week’s choice, Hops at 84 East. Your Community Service Committee Volunteers for Holland Public Schools food distribution
 Sarah Sanderson said this medical person administered the test and asked for a selfie! She was still negative and can now go to work!   Corporate / Business Members:
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June 18, 2020 Zoom MeetingJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday June 11th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 Also, you can Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522?pwd=MlZWUU1DZk5wamo2eGc5RjNTbllOdz09 to join a scheduled Zoom meeting. These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! This weeks speaker will be Kay Walvoord from Holland Symphony.
Rotary Dines Out Thank you, Holland Rotarians, for participating in our weekly Holland Rotary Dines Out. We are happy many of you supported last week’s choice, Crane’s in the City. Did you enjoy your free donut as much as we did? This week’s winner is Hops at 84 East, 84 East 8th St., 49423. (616)396-8484. https://hops.biz-os.app/weborder/wo_order_time.php?loc=Hops49423. Hops at 84 East will be highlighted on our website and Facebook page and noted in member e-blasts and mentioned at our virtual meeting this Thursday. Make sure you get your vote in at this Thursday’s meeting for next week’s winner. You can vote at the meeting by using the Chat feature on Zoom, or you can vote before the meeting by emailing the name of a restaurant to Bonnie Gronberg <sirturtle@gmail.com> Your Community Service Committee Volunteers for Holland Public Schools food distribution
Sarah Sanderson said this medical person administered the test and asked for a selfie! She was still negative and can now go to work! Corporate / Business Members:
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June 11, 2020 Zoom MeetingJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday June 11th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522? <<-- DO NOT USE If anyone knows the correct link, please let us know! This link sent us to a separate meeting last week! Password 020850 These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! This weeks speaker will be our own Drew McLean. He is going to talk about “how to make fantastic ribs”.
Rotary Dines Out Thank you, Holland Rotarians, for participating in our weekly Holland Rotary Dines Out. Many of you supported Crazy Horse Steakhouse this past week. They have reported that people mentioning Rotary purchased at least ?? meals. And that doesn’t include meals ordered through Door Dash, Uber Eats, Grub Hub, or other delivery services who took orders and did not identify Rotarians as the customers. This week’s winner is Crane's In The City, 11 East 8th Street, 49423. https://www.cranesinthecity.com Hours: Monday - Saturday: 11:00am-3:00pm (616) 796 2489 cranesinthecity@gmail.com Cranes will be highlighted on our website and Facebook page and noted in member e-Blasts and mentioned at our virtual meeting this Thursday. Make sure you get your vote in at this Thursday’s meeting for next week’s winner. You can vote at the meeting by using the Chat feature on Zoom, or you can vote before the meeting by emailing the name of a restaurant to Bonnie Gronberg <sirturtle@gmail.com> Your Community Service Committee Volunteers for Holland Public Schools food distribution
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June 04, 2020 Zoom MeetingJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday June 4th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7734444522? https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7734444522? Password 020850 These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! Rotary Dines Out Thank you, Holland Rotarians, for participating in our weekly Holland Rotary Dines Out. Many of you supported Ottawa Beach Inn this past week. They have reported that people mentioning Rotary purchased at least 40 meals. And that doesn’t include meals ordered through Door Dash, Uber Eats, Grub Hub, or other delivery services who took orders and did not identify Rotarians as the customers. This week’s winner is Crazy Horse Steakhouse, 2027 North Park Drive, 49424. 616-395-8393. Crazy Horse Steakhouse will be highlighted on our website and Facebook page and noted in member e-blasts and mentioned at our virtual meeting this Thursday. Make sure you get your vote in at this Thursday’s meeting for next week’s winner. You can vote at the meeting by using the Chat feature on Zoom, or you can vote before the meeting by emailing the name of a restaurant to Bonnie Gronberg <sirturtle@gmail.com> Your Community Service Committee Corporate / Business Members:
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May 28, 2020 Zoom MeetingJoin our Virtual Meeting! We will be holding a Zoom Rotary meeting this Thursday May 28th at 12 Noon. Club members can download the Zoom application and use the following information to join the meeting: Go to Zoom.com and click on "join a meeting" Meeting ID 773 444 4522 Password 020850 These will also be the numbers for calls for the future Zoom meetings as well! Our speaker will be: Kara de Alvare, Marketing Coordinator Downtown Holland, she will give us an update on what shopping in downtown Holland will look like and an update on the Farmers Market! Rotary Dines Out This week's selection: Ottawa Beach Inn (OBI) 2155 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland. 616-399-9220 https://www.ottawabeachinn.com Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 4pm - 8pm Sunday: 11am - 2pm, BBQ Only The Rotary Club of Holland is selecting a local restaurant each week to acknowledge, promote, and support local small businesses and their employees. Ottawa Beach Inn will be highlighted on our website and Facebook page and noted in member e-blasts as well as at our virtual meeting this Thursday. We encourage members and their families and friends to “dine out” by picking up dinner or having it delivered from O.B.I. this Thursday, May 28, through Sunday, May 31. When you call in your take-out order, please identify yourself as a member of Holland Noon or After Hours Rotary. Time for a summer break from cooking and fun for all...especially when we can help our local restaurants. Be sure to look each week on our blasts, Facebook page and join our virtual Rotary meetings on Thursday and discover what the "Restaurant of the Week" will be - the enjoy and support these restaurants! Please see the web sites below to help support Holland restaurants and businesses: Corporate / Business Members:
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Rotary Meetings Canceled -Until further notice, our Rotary Meetings are canceled. If you have invited guests or speakers for the month of March, please let them know! Please click on the link below to read the letter from Rotary International Presidents. |
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Rotary Meetings CanceledUntil further notice, our Rotary Meetings are canceled. If you have invited guests or speakers for the month of March, please let them know! Please click on the link below to read the letter from Rotary International Presidents. |
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March 12, 2020 at Holland Rotary - BirthdayCelebrating our 100th Anniversary with a Birthday Party for our club members! Due to the Haworth Inn undergoing a renovation, Rotary will be meeting at the Civic Center until the end of June.
Rotarians: If you have speakers coming for Rotary please inform them that we are now meeting till June at the Civic Center. If you have a great idea for a speaker at our meeting, let me know and let’s get them scheduled. Please email me with ideas; lvarner@suburbaninns.com We are sorry to report the SnowMelt Shuffle 5k has been cancelled. We started too late with only 4 months before the race so we could not raise the required funds or cover things that the race organizer needed covered. The New 2020 Social Calendar is now on the home page - Thanks Drew! Corporate / Business Members:
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March 05, 2020 at Holland Rotary - Rotary Youth ExchangeOur Rotary Youth Exchange - Rebound Students, will lead discussions. We look forward to hearing from them. Due to the Haworth Inn undergoing a renovation, Rotary will be meeting at the Civic Center until the end of June.
Rotarians: If you have speakers coming for Rotary please inform them that we are now meeting till June at the Civic Center. If you have a great idea for a speaker at our meeting, let me know and let’s get them scheduled. Please email me with ideas; lvarner@suburbaninns.com
The New 2020 Social Calendar is now on the home page - Thanks Drew! Corporate / Business Members:
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February 27, 2020 at Holland Rotary - Patrick WatermanPatrick Waterman, City Manager Hudsonville, will discuss the Holland-Grand Rapids Commuter Line. We look forward to hearing from him.
Due to the Haworth Inn undergoing a renovation, Rotary will be meeting at the Civic Center until the end of June.
Rotarians: If you have speakers coming for Rotary please inform them that we are now meeting till June at the Civic Center. If they have a power point presentation they will NEED TO BRING THERE OWN LAPTOP. Please make sure that is it HDMI Compatible! Speakers should arrive early to get set up to make sure it will work properly. Email them with the details. If you have a great idea for a speaker at our meeting, let me know and let’s get them scheduled. Please email me with ideas; lvarner@suburbaninns.com
The New 2020 Social Calendar is now on the home page - Thanks Drew! Corporate / Business Members:
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February 20, 2020 at Holland Rotary - Paulettee CarrPaulettee Carr will discuss her career path and life as an artist. We look forward to hearing from her.
Due to the Haworth Inn undergoing a renovation, Rotary will be meeting at the Civic Center until the end of June.
Rotarians: If you have speakers coming for Rotary please inform them that we are now meeting till June at the Civic Center. If they have a power point presentation they will NEED TO BRING THERE OWN LAPTOP. Please make sure that is it HDMI Compatible! Speakers should arrive early to get set up to make sure it will work properly. Email them with the details. If you have a great idea for a speaker at our meeting, let me know and let’s get them scheduled. Please email me with ideas; lvarner@suburbaninns.com Corporate / Business Members:
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February 13, 2020 at Holland Rotary - Mike HamannMike Hamann-West Ottawa Bands, will discuss History of West Ottawa Jazz Band and a Performance. We look forward to hearing from him and listening to the performance.
Due to the Haworth Inn undergoing a renovation, Rotary will be meeting at the Civic Center until the end of June.
Rotarians: If you have speakers coming for Rotary please inform them that we are now meeting till June at the Civic Center. If they have a power point presentation they will NEED TO BRING THERE OWN LAPTOP. Please make sure that is it HDMI Compatible! Speakers should arrive early to get set up to make sure it will work properly. Email them with the details. If you have a great idea for a speaker at our meeting, let me know and let’s get them scheduled. Please email me with ideas; lvarner@suburbaninns.com Corporate / Business Members:
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February 06, 2020 at Holland Rotary - Meika Weiss
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January 30, 2020 at Holland Rotary - Paul Heusinkveld
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January 23, 2020 at Holland Rotary - Alexis
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January 16, 2020 at Holland Rotary - Karen Sadler
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January 9, 2020 at Holland Rotary - Kristine Van Noord
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December 19, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Sean Mulligan
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December 12, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Christy Buck
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December 05 2019 at Holland Rotary - Melanie Montenegro
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November 21 2019 at Holland Rotary - Howard Fink
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November 14 2019 at Holland Rotary - Foundation Month
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November 07 2019 at Holland Rotary - Joe Bauman
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October 31 2019 at Holland Rotary - Special Halloween Club Meeting
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October 24 2019 at Holland Rotary - Jason Parks
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October 17 2019 at Holland Rotary - James Sullivan and Craig Spoelhof
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October 10 2019 at Holland Rotary - Scott Rumpsa
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October 03 2019 at Holland Rotary - Tom Werkman
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September 26 2019 at Holland Rotary - Rachel Barton Pine
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September 19, 2019 at Holland Rotary - NO MEETING!
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September 12, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Captain Bennet
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September 05, 2019 at Holland Rotary - WEHOP
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August 29, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Kinita Seema Schripsema
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August 22, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Sarah Sanderson
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August 15, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Windmill Island
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August 08, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Don Williams
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August 08, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Adolph WolfAdolph Wolf, will be our speaker discussing Refugees. We look forward to hearing from Adolf. Refugees are people who live outside their country of origin because of conflict, persecution, violence, or other circumstances that seriously disrupt public order. I was a refugee three (3) times under Hilter reign of terror and later under communism. Adolf has written several books about his experience as a refugee.
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August 01, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Becky Fry DebowskiBecky Fry Debowski, will be our speaker discussing the Michigan History Standards in the News. We look forward to hearing from Becky. Becky is a middle school teacher at Byron Center West Middle School who was recently interviewed for a NY Times article about Michigan History standards.
Please Note: On our HollandRotary.org website, we have two updated links: 1. In the top menu, the latest club bylaws that were recently approved. 2. On the left side, under "Other Links" is the latest District Governor's Report.
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July 25, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Dave Thomas |
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July 18, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Chris HartChris Hart, Executive Director, will be our speaker discussing the Holland Civic Center. We look forward to hearing from Chris. Our meeting is at the Civic Center - 150 W. 8th Street!
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July 11, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Colleen HillColleen Hill will be our speaker discussing the Community Foundation of Holland and Zeeland. We look forward to hearing from Colleen.
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July 4, 2019 at Holland Rotary - No MeetingNo Meeting This Week - Enjoy the 4th of July Holiday!!!
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June 27, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Robert HamiltonRobert Hamilton will be our speaker discussing the Ottawa County Public Defenders Office. We look forward to hearing from Robert.
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June 20, 2019 at Holland Rotary - John DacloushJohn Dacloush will be our speaker discussing the new Soccer Club coming to Holland. We look forward to hearing from John. Note: the Rotary meeting this week will be in ballrooms 1 & 2. This room is still in the Haworth but on the opposite side of the wall where we were last week! |
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June 13, 2019 at Holland Rotary - LeadersLuncheon with Leaders of 21st Century. Visitors and Guests Barb Nyland (Steve), Erin Lamper (Rebecca) Rotary Potluck Dinner, Jun 19, 5:00 - 7:00 PM Drew's house When: Wednesday, June 19th Time: 5:30 until 7:00 pm Where: 369 Blue Isle Drive (Drew's house) Why: 'Cus it'll be fun! Details on what dish to bring will come in separate email from Drew.
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June 6, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Matt MesserMatt Messer will be our speaker discussing the Holland Police. We look forward to hearing from Matt.
Ingre Larsen (Sandy Hansen) |
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May 30, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Chuck MelchioriChuck Melchiori will be our speaker discussing creative dining. We look forward to hearing from Chuck. |
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May 23, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Jody CorreaJody Correa, Hospice of Holland, will be our speaker. We look forward to hearing from Jody.
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May 16, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Show + TellLunch 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!
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May 9, 2019 at Holland Rotary - No MeetingNo 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: To volunteer, go to the link on Hollandrotary.org that will allow you to sign up on the Tulip Time site or use https://tuliptime.volunteerhub.com/lp/rotary/ For more information or help, please contact Tom or Heather Gough (goughf@yahoo.com).
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May 2, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Leaders of 21st CenturyLunch Meeting This Thursday at the Maas Center! This meeting is about the Leaders of 21st Century.
Tulip Time Opportunities: Grandstand Greeters: To volunteer, go to the link on Hollandrotary.org that will allow you to sign up on the Tulip Time site or use https://tuliptime.volunteerhub.com/lp/rotary/ For more information or help, please contact Tom or Heather Gough (goughf@yahoo.com).
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April 25, 2019 at Holland Rotary - No Lunch MeetingNo 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: Kinderparade — Thursday, May 9 (Still open) Muziekparade — Saturday, May 11 (Still open) 2. Grandstand Greeters: To volunteer, go to the link on Hollandrotary.org that will allow you to sign up on the Tulip Time site or use https://tuliptime.volunteerhub.com/lp/rotary/ For more information or help, please contact Tom or Heather Gough (goughf@yahoo.com).
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April 18, 2019 at Holland Rotary -Â West Ottawa Schools Special Education LuncheonThis 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. As in the years past, we help the teaching staff at Lakewood by providing answers to some of their most requested items for the students. The teachers for these challenged children are filled with gratitude when we help provide supplies they normally buy from their own salaries. On behalf of these teachers, they extend a HUGE thank you...and a list of what would be most welcome this year! Here are some supplies teachers have requested for their classrooms...please bring these items with you when you attend the luncheon on the 18th of April: Kleenex Hand Sanitizer Ziploc baggies - all sizes Disinfectant WipesWet wipes Play-Doh - Always need LOTS..small or big cans welcome Laundry Soap Dish Soap Any small toys, activity books, stickers - age appropriate Thick and thin point Sharpie markers Microwave popcorn Goldfish crackers Chez-It crackers Flushable wipes Dry erase markers Dry erase erasers Candy - M & M's, Skittles, organic fruit roll-ups, etc. Visitors and Guests Dan Shaw (Rebecca Lamper), Sophie Engels |
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April 11, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Chris EtienneChris 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)
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April 04, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Steven HoogerwerfSteven 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.
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March 28, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Michelle BoergerMichelle 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
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March 21, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Jen NuernbergJen Nuernberg, Harbor Humane Society, will be our speaker. We look forward to hearing from Jen. Visitors and Guests Brent, Tia, and Danelle Vorac (Jonas)
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March 14, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Jonas HaagJonas Haag, exchange student from Germany, will be our speaker. We look forward to hearing from Jonas.
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March 07, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Holly SchutHolly Schut will be our speaker. Her topic is Haiti. We look forward to hearing from Holly. We will be taking a look at the incredible Haitian people, working tirelessly to raise up indigenous leaders. Through videos and photos we will catch a glimpse of what it means to move from hopelessness to hope. Haiti is a land with a story of domination, corruption and natural disasters, but in the midst of the story we see strength, resilience and the power of God at work. Beautiful Response is an organization committed to coming alongside indigenous leaders God has raised up in Uganda and Haiti. When we respond with love, support and encouragement beautiful things happen. Prepare to be humbled as you get to know the heart of our wonderful partners in Haiti. Visitors and Guests George Miller (Rebecca Lamper) and Rick Kirvan (Kathy DeVries)
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February 28, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Jack HuisinghJack 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
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February 21, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Tom GoughTom 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.
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February 14, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Valentine SurpriseAs 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.
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February 07, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Jessica CrawfordJessica 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.
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January 31, 2019 at Holland Rotary - meeting canceledNo, 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.
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January 24, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Megan Zambiasi and Bob Vande PolMegan 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.
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January 17, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Lynn AustinLynn 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.
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January 10, 2019 at Holland Rotary - Donna LowryOne 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.
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January 03, 2019 at Holland Rotary - NO MeetingNo 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 |
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December 27, 2018 at Holland Rotary - NO MeetingNo Meeting This Week - Merry Christmas |
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December 20, 2018 at Holland Rotary - Jon Van AllsburgOne 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:
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December 13, 2018 at Holland Rotary - Don WilliamsDon 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. Heather Schultz ( schultzh@hope.edu ) 616-395-7200 Visitors and Guests Bill Hurula (Dick Chambers), Arra (Vic), Laura Hubh-Rhoades (Elizabeth Giddings), Holly Schut (Ken Voss)
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December 13, 2018 at Holland Rotary - Steve HoogerwerkSteve 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)
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December 06, 2018 at Holland Rotary - SakhiSakhi, our exchange student from India will be our guest speaker. We look forward to hearing from her.
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November 29, 2018 at Holland Rotary - Sgt. Larry MatzenSgt. 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. 100th Anniversary Committee: Please put on your calendar, Thursday, December 6, for our next 100th Anniversary Committee meeting! We will meet at the Marriott- 8th 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!! |
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November 22, 2018 at Holland Rotary - No Meeting** No Meeting This Thursday ** Happy Thanksgiving! 100th Anniversary Committee: Please put on your calendar, Thursday, December 6, for our next 100th Anniversary Committee meeting! We will meet at the Marriott- 8th 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) |
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November 15, 2018 at Holland Rotary - Chris Martin and Mindy KleinChris 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: This Thursday is the "pass the hat" date for Thanksgiving collection. The club on average has collected / donated a range of $600-$750 in each of the past 3 years Would love to see if our club can duplicate our generous donations. If writing a check, please bring to the club---as I am thinking it might be better to write the check to the club...but would like to check with our treasurer....
Visitors and Guests Bill Hurula (Dick Chambers), Rebecca Packett Wood (Vic), Dick Capotosto (Tim Schreur), Mindy Beetham (Elizabeth Giddings) |
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November 8, 2018 at Holland Rotary - Tom GoughTom 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) |
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November 1, 2018 at Holland Rotary - Brian RobertsonBrian 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) |
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October 25, 2018 at Holland Rotary - Brenda SipeBrenda Sipe, Kendall College of Art and Design, will be our guest speaker. Her topic is the "Creativity and Design." ** We Are Meeting at the Maas Center **
News In Brief: Holland High Interact Club will be "Painting Pinkie" for breast cancer awareness. Bring children's books (new or gently used) to the meeting for our "Book Houses" project with the Herrick District Library. Visitors and Guests John Shook (Rudy Vedovell) |
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October 18, 2018 at Holland Rotary - Mark TuckerMark Tucker, will be our guest speaker. His topic is the "Chikumbuso Project in Zambia." ** We Are Meeting at the Maas Center October 25 **
News In Brief: Coming soon - Holland High Interact Club will be "Painting Pinkie" for breast cancer awareness. Bring children's books (new or gently used) to the next meeting for our "Book Houses" project with the Herrick District Library. Check-out our District 6290 web site for details on the "Back to Basics" conference on October 27. Visitors and Guests Stacey Workman (David Meier), Sarah Sanderson (John Helm), Sarah Martinez (Robert Ortman) |
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October 11, 2018 at Holland Rotary - Heidi KrausDr. 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 Are Meeting at the Maas Center **
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Sept. 27, 2018-No Meeting.jpg) .jpg) .jpg) TONIGHT (September 25th) is the "Swap Fund Raiser." There still MAY be tickets available. Contact Mari Martin or Kathy DeVries NOW to see if tickets are available. We will not have a Thursday noon September 27 meeting. Our next Thursday 12:10 meeting will be on October 4, 2018. Dan Fisher presented an outstanding program on September 20. We discovered that some special individuals do have a left brain and a right brain. Not only is Dan a talented engineer but he is also a gifted composer. His story and demonstrations on his compositional methods were truly well delivered and interesting. Thank you Dan. For only the 2nd time in the past 10 years, or so, our club "made" the Rotarian Magazine. See pages 55 and 56 for the full story! Congratulations Holland Rotary!!!
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Sept. 20, 2018-Dan FisherWe welcome Dan Fisher, husband of Rotarian Kay Hubbard, who will talk about his musical compositions and his orchestral recording experiences. This should be an interesting program. Thanks are extended to corporate member Brent Morris for his most interesting history of the newspaper industry. It was most interesting to hear the rapid changes that have occurred in the past 20 years. Have your purchased your ticket for the "Swap Fund Raiser?" It is not too late. Please join us at this special event on September 25 at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club. Remember that we will not have a Thursday noon meeting on September 27. Last week’s visitors included visiting Rotarian Adam Zuwerink of the Muskegon Club, Junior Rotarian Eric from Holland Christian HS, and exchange students Sakai from India and Jonas from Germany. Today’s Coffee Break (Sept 19) at 10 AM will be held at the AlpenRose on 8th Street.
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Sept. 13, 2018-Brent MorrisWe welcome publisher Brent as this week's presenter. Brent is the publisher of the Holland Sentinel and a corporate member of the Rotary Club. We thank Sheriff Steve Kempker for a most interesting program. For additional information concerning the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office one should contact www.miOttawa.org/Sheriff. Have your purchased your ticket for the September 25 "Swap Fund Raiser at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club? Order your tickets immediately while still available. Items donated for the Fund Raiser should be delivered to Carol Swart's home as soon as possible but no later than September 18. Before delivery call Carol at 566-2917 to arrange a drop-off time. New donated items are still accepted. Special Guests for the September 6 meeting included... Barb Nyland, Betty Nyland, and Kort Nyland (Steve Nyland). Kort was honored by receiving a Paul Harris award from his mother and father Barb and Steve. John Delo (Kevin O'Keefe), Jeff Mayrose (Cynthia Palmer), Howard Fink (Terry Dehan) and Shannon Dykstra. |
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Sept 6, 2018-Sheriff Steve KempkerWe welcome Sheriff Kempker and look forward to his presentation. Have your purchased your ticket for the "Swap Fund Raiser?" Please join us at this special event on September 25 at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club. Donated items for this important fund raiser are still accepted. Last Week's Visitor Judy Parrott (Ken Vos) |
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This week at Holland Rotary Ryan Kilpatrick-August 30, 2018Ryan Kilpatrick will share information on "Housing Next." 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.
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Dr. Tim Evans-August 23, 2018Thanks to Dr. Tim Evans, Professor of Biology GVSU will be sharing his experiences with the NASA Terra program. Surely you will all agree that his enthusiastic presentation was both educational and entertaining. His pulse rate was at least 110 per minute.
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This week at Holland Rotary-Natalie Rowland -August 16, 2018We thank Natalie Rowland for her presentation on her Rotary experience in Croatia.
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This week at Holland Rotary-Todd Krygsheld -August 9, 2018Our thanks to Todd Krygsheld for his presentation on Forgotten Man Ministries. |
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This week at Holland Rotary-Justin Roebuck -August 2, 2018Thanks to Justin Roebuck for his presentation titled "Protecting Elections: How Ottawa County is combating potential security threats." |
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This week at Holland Rotary-Jack Gisinger-July 26, 2018We thank Jack Gisinger for his exceptional educational presentation on redistricting. If you desire to learn more about this topic, research votersnotpoliticians.com. |
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This week at Holland Rotary-Ricki Levine-July 19, 2018Thanks to Ricki Levine for her discussion of the Holland Museum. |
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This week at Holland Rotary-Tracy Amid-7/12/18Unfortunately Tracy Amid was unable to inform us about Kids Food Basket. We hope that she can visit the club sometime in the future.
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Project in Puerto Escondido, MexicoRotary International Project in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico in the 1980s
In the 1980’s the Gaylord Club, in Northern Michigan, had a relationship with a Rotary Club in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. Members of the Mexican Club the Gaylord Club exchanged home hospitality visits. (I am quite sure the Gaylord Club planned their visit in the winter season.)
During one exchange, it was noticed that the elementary classrooms in Mexico had dirt floors and roofs made of sticks. It was decided that the Gaylord Club would sponsor the building of new classrooms. Other clubs in our district were asked for assistance. The Traverse City Club and the Holland Club bought into the project. Each year each club sent $1000 to Puerto Escondido to be used to purchase materials needed to build one new classroom. The Puerto Escondido Club furnished the labor. By the time the project was completed, we had 6 new classrooms and brand new bathrooms with flush toilets.
A Gaylord Rotarian was selected to see the completed project. As Chairperson of the Holland International Service Committee, I (Tom Bos) was invited to join him. At the airport we were met by Puerto Escondido Rotarians and their wives with bouquets of flowers. As we were being directed to our cars I said, “No, I need to go through customs and immigration.” One Rotarian said “No, My son is in charge and that will not be necessary.”
The Mexican club was most proud of the new toilet facilities complete with a Rotary Wheel and the names of the Traverse City, Holland, and Gaylord Clubs. I was to officially inspect each and every toilet stall. It reminded me of a movie in which Army Private Gomer Pile was assigned to latrine duty. When the General showed up for an inspection, Gomer said “Attention” at which all the toilet seats snapped up in unison. That is what it felt like inspecting those toilets. It was all very serious business.
While we were there, a Rotarian made arrangements for us to visit Monte Albán, a pre-Hispanic city that had been an ancient capital of the Zapotecs.
This is where I learned the true meaning of “Rotary opens doors”.
Thomas G. Bos 2018 |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Travis Steinhoff - 6/28/18Our thanks to Travis Steinhoff and his discussion of Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity. If more information is needed, contact www.lakeshorehabitat.org. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Sara DeVries - 6/21/18Our thanks to our own Sara DeVries and her updates on the Herrick District Library. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Leaders - 6/14/18Our thanks to all the students and leaders of the Leaders of 21st Century.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Lindsey Drost - 6/7/18Our thanks to Lindsey Drost, rebound student from Germany. Sure to be interesting!
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This week at Holland Rotary - TCM Counseling - 5/31/18Our thanks to Ann Baarman and Sarah Lewakowki from TCM Counseling. www.tcmcounseling.org |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Auriz - 5/24/18Our thanks to Auriz Barreira Neto, our Inbound Exchange student from Brazil, for his entertaining presentation. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Leaders of 21st Century - 5/3/18Our thanks to all the Leaders of the 21st Century, including principals and students from Holland East, Holland West and Corpus Christi schools.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Tamala Spicer - 4/26/18Our thanks to Tamala Spicer for her discussion of the Dorothy Johnson Center and impact of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector on our community. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Holland Energy Park - 4/19/18Our thanks to David Koster for our offsite meeting at the Holland Energy Park. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Lakewood Elementary - 4/12/18Our thanks to the teachers and challenged kids at West Ottawa Schools for the events at Lakewood Elementary. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Paul Wiersma - 4/5/18Our thanks to Paul Wiersma for his presentation on Davids House. www.dhmin.org Last Weeks Visitors and Guests Eric Nichols (Larry Schuyler) |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Yah-Hannah Jenkins-Ley - 3/29/18Our 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 .
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This week at Holland Rotary - Ed DeNave - 3/22/18Our thanks to Ed DeNave, and the people of Cento Anni. Last Weeks Visitors and Guests
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This week at Holland Rotary - David Alexander - 3/15/18Our 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) |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Michelle Boerger - 3/8/18Our 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/ . |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Minnie Wongsittigorn - 3/1/18Our thanks to Minnie Wongsittigorn, Inbound exchange student from Thailand. Last Weeks Visitors and Guests Danielle, Karen, and Brent Vorac (Minnie's host family), Andy Bass (Catherine Ristola Bass), Flissa Lappenga (Linda Jacobs), Sandy Grysen (Wendy Piper), Sandy Hansen (AM Rotary Club).
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This week at Holland Rotary - Kris Collee - 2/22/18Our thanks to Kris Collee for her Meals on Wheels presentation.
Previous Weeks Visitors and Guests Dan Stanch (David Steenwyk), Colista (Donna and Gary Bogle), Herb Bacon (A.M. Club)
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This week at Holland Rotary - West Mich Airport - 2/15/18Our thanks to Myron and Terry for their presentation on the West Michigan Airport.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Mirka Wilder - 2/8/18Our thanks to Mirka Wilder, from Evoqua Water Technologies. Sure to be interesting!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Langlely VanWagoner - 2/1/18Our thanks to Langlely VanWagoner, rebound student from France for her inspiring presentation and singing!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Heather Brazee - 1/25/18Our thanks to Heather Brazee, Herman Miller Wellness Director for her discussion how Herman Miller was Voted a Top Place for Women to Work.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Grace Maiullo - 1/18/18Our thanks to Grace E. Maiullo for her discussion on Special Olympics in Michigan.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Dan Clark - 1/11/18Our thanks to Dan Clark from Grand Rapids Community College. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Hannah Aquilera - 1/4/18Our thanks to Hannah Aquilera for her discussion of the CASA program.
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This week at Holland Rotary - David Brower - 12/21/17Our thanks to David Brower for his Christmas Vignettes. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Alexa Watkin - 12/14/17Our thanks to Alexa Watkin, rebound student from Austria.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Dave Rozman - 12/07/17Our thanks to Dave Rozman for his talk on the Life Leadership Conference.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Rob Byrd - 11/30/17Our thanks Rob Byrd for his talk about the upcoming film on Holland, Michigan.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Rebecca Lamper - 11/16/17Our 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)
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This week at Holland Rotary - Ken Fischang - 11/9/17Our thanks to Ken Fischang for his presentation on "Destination Marketing.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Ed Swart - 11/2/17Our thanks to Ed Swart for his District Governor Visit. Check out some pictures of Ed on our Facebook page.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Rich Ray - 10/26/17Our thanks to Rich Ray for his presentation on the Road to Compostela Spain.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Tom Bos and Kathy DeVries - 10/19/17Our thanks to Tom Bos and Kathy DeVries for their presentation on their recent Kenya Trip.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Benjamin Walkington - 10/12/17Our thanks to Benjamin Walkington from the US Marshals Service for his fascinating presentation.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Surprise! - 10/5/17Our thanks to Hope football coach Peter Stuursma and 20 members of the team for their surprise presentation!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Joe Haveman - 9/28/17Our thanks to Joe Haveman and Brian Self for their presentation on "Hope Network." |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Wendy Piper - 9/21/17Our thanks to Wendy Piper for her presentation on "Basic Education and Literacy."
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This week at Holland Rotary - Dr Ken Austin - 9/14/17Thanks 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!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Dick Dolinski - 9/07/17Our 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. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Brad Garmon - 8/31/17Our thanks to Brad Garmon for his presentation on Michigan Environmental Council. Please take the survey at HowYouDuneSurvey.com |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Lyn Kotecki - 8/24/17Our thanks to Lyn Kotecki and her presentation on "Outdoor Discovery Center." |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Terry DeHaan - 8/17/17Our 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.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Andrew Brown - 8/10/17Our thanks to Andrew Brown from the Adult Drug Court. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Ron Lewis - 8/3/17Our thanks to Ron Lewis, President of Spectrum Health Zeeland, for his discussion on the Past, Present and Future of Health Care.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Darcy Komejan - 7/27/17Our thanks to Darcy Komejan, for her discussion of the Childrens Advocacy Center.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Mary Rottschafer - 7/20/17Our thanks to Mary Rottschafer for her discussion of the Critter Barn.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Sue Franz - 7/13/17Our thanks to Sue Franz for her discussion of her Honduras trip.
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Hats
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!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Russ Miller - 7/6/17Our thanks to Russ Miller, our new President, for his discussion of our new officers and directors.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Ed Swart - 6/29/17No 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 7th 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.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Rick Veenhoven - 6/22/17Our thanks to Rick Veenhoven, for his discussion on the Civil War Muster. The Muster is in September, Holland’s other event. Educational, living history, regional attraction, free and fun! Web site= VanRaalteFarmCivilWarMuster.com No lunch meeting June 29th!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Leaders of the 21st Century - 6/15/17Our 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!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Jack Huisingh, Holland Aquatic Center - 6/8/17Our thanks to Jack Huisingh and Diana Simmons, Holland Aquatic Center and the presentation "Red Flag Video". If you missed it or want to watch it again, here is the URL = https://youtu.be/IDxWGfwP8m0
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This week at Holland Rotary - Al Bonney - 6/1/17Our thanks to Al Bonney, District Foundation Director for his presentation on the Rotary Foundation.
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This week at Holland Rotary - SWAP - 5/23/17Our special evening meeting is at the Macatawa Yacht Club, Tuesday, May 23rd. This is a ticketed event. We will not meet this Thursday! Please enjoy a safe and fun Memorial Day!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Nick Kassanos - 5/18/17Our thanks to Nick Kassanos, President, LG Chem Michigan, Inc.
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This week at Holland Rotary - No Meeting - 5/11/17No meeting this week because of Tulip Time. Please look for our parade float and Gary Bogle's yellow Model A Ford replicar! |
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This week at Holland Rotary - West Ottawa Special Education Class Luncheon - 5/4/17Our thanks for all the teachers and students attending the West Ottawa Special Education Class Luncheon. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Youth Services Committee - 4/27/17Our thanks to the Youth Services Committee, Tulip Time Volunteer coordinators, and the fund raising committee for all their work! |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Wayne DeBruyn - 4/20/17Our thanks to the Saugatuck High School Interact Club representatives. You can read more about this project at www.youcaring.com/saugatuckinteract . |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Sara Cozolino - 4/13/17Our thanks to Sara Cozolino, the new Holland Farmers Market Master. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Exchange Students - 4/6/17Please welcome our exchange students via Skype. Sure to be interesting! |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Linda Falstad - 3/30/17Our thanks to Linda Falstad, for her discussion "Ottawa County Farmland Preservation—Farms. Food. Future." |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Larry Fisher - 3/23/17Our thanks to Larry Fisher, Dean of Student Life at West Michigan Aviation Academy . http://www.westmichiganaviation.org/ |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Lyn Raymond - 3/16/17Our thanks to Lyn Raymond, from Ottawa Housing Next. The mission of Ottawa Housing Next is to create and implement a cross sector, long-term and regional strategy that influences leverage points in the system to ensure affordable, accessible and safe housing is available to all. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Kady (Pin-Chi) Wen - 3/9/17Our thanks to Kady (Pin-Chi) Wen our exchange student from Taiwan. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Don Wilkinson - 3/2/17Our thanks to Don Wilkinson for his discussion on the Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity Program.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Boogaart and Saliers - 2/23/17Our thanks to Peter Boogaart and Anne Saliers for the discussion on the Holland Home Energy Retrofit Program. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Siddhant Mehta - 2/16/17Our thanks to Siddhant Mehta, Inbound Exchange Student from India. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Elizabeth and Kurt - 2/9/17Our thanks to Kurt Rietema and Elizabeth Giddings for their presentation on hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Janet DeYoung - 2/2/17Our thanks to Janet DeYoung and her presentation on the Holland Museum.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Helen Zeerip - 1/26/17Our thanks to Helen Zeerip and her presentation on Grant Me Hope Campaign.
See the picture on our Facebook page!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Betty Blase - 1/19/17Our thanks to Betty Blase, District Coordinator, for her presentation on Linking Michigan State University and Michigan Communities.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Gernot Runschke - 1/12/17Our thanks to Gernot Runschke , our District Governor.
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Holland Rotary e-Bulletin - Joe Slenk - 1/5/17Our thanks to Joe Slenk, Holland Public Safety and the K-9 Unit for his excellent presentation!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Don Williams - 12/22/2016Our thanks to Don Williams, for his presentation of "Funny Signs.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Chris Shires - 12/15/16Our thanks to Chris Shires and Rachael, for the Christmas at the Museum program and tour. We also thank John Schmidt and his fellow musicians for the great music!
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This week at Holland Rotary Bob Chapman 12/8/16Our thanks to Barry Rutherford and Bob Chapman for an
informative discussion about reducing energy waste to keep more of your money. Michigan Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit, will present local case studies, upgrade suggestions, and information about alternative financing. Attendees will leave with a " Get Started " action tips sheet. - See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/1369/Speakers/8b83c943-b767-4d7e-8bea-52ec7817540c#sthash.A9xeu3p4.dpuf
informative discussion about reducing energy waste to keep more of your money. Michigan Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit, will present local case studies, upgrade suggestions, and information about alternative financing. Attendees will leave with a " Get Started " action tips sheet. - See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/1369/Speakers/8b83c943-b767-4d7e-8bea-52ec7817540c#sthash.A9xeu3p4.dpuf
informative discussion about reducing energy waste to keep more of your money. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Dan and Caroline - 12/1/16Our thanks to Dan Tyrer and Caroline Monahan for their discussion on “Enhancing the Gateway to Holland: Improvements to the West Coast Chamber of Commerce Offices”.
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This week at Holland Rotary - John Wemlinger - 11/17/16Our thanks to John Wemlinger, for his discussion about his book Winter's Bloom.
John's book is available at Readers World or www.johnwemlinger.com . His e-mail is jwemlinger46@gmail.com
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This Week at Holland Rotary - Russ Miller - 11/10/16Our thanks to Russ Miller for his presentation on the Rotary Foundation.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Career Line Tech - 11/3/16Our thanks to David Searles and Shayna Carlson, for the Career Line Tech Center Visit .
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This week at Holland Rotary - Tiara Yachts - 10/27/16Our thanks to David Slikkers, our guides, and all the people involved in the guided tour of Tiara Yachts.
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This Week at Holland Rotary - Bradley Slagh 10/20/2016Our thanks to Bradley Slagh, County Treasurer, for his presentation on "Finding Help". The county treasurer is responsible for collection of delinquent taxes, but many types of programs and services are available and can be shared with property owners to help them catch up. Ideas from this material may provide you with ideas to give to someone you know struggling to pay a mortgage or property taxes.
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This week at Holland Rotary - The Richardsons 10/13/16Our thanks to Russ and Marian Richarson for their presentation "Hiking the Camino de Santiago".
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This week at Holland Rotary - Jerry Shoup - 8/18/16Our thanks to Jerry Shoup, Retired Heinz Plant Manager for his presentation on "History of the Heinz plant in Holland".
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This week at Holland Rotary - Don Williams - 8/11/16Our thanks to Don Williams for his presentation on "Chernobyl: Context and Consequences".
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This week at Holland Rotary - Thoreau Piano Trio - 8/4/16Our thanks to the Thoreau Piano Trio for their Chamber Music Performance of Mozart and Mendelssohn. See website of Thoreau Piano Trio at http://www.thoreaupianotrio.com for more information and future West Michigan concerts.
Our thanks also to Christ Memorial Church for hosting our meeting and concert. |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Susan Kragt - 7/28/16Our thanks to Susan Kragt , from West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center. Please see westmirefugee.org for more information.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Catherine Bass - 7/21/16Our thanks to Catherine Ristola Bass for facilitating "Grown Up Show and Tell " Many interesting items and stories were presented.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Mari Martin - 7/14/16Our thanks to Mari Martin for her presentation on "What Makes Olga Run?" as well as insights into exercise and ageing. You can see a picture of Mari with many of her running medals on our Facebook page.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Club Assembly - 7/7/16Our July 14th meeting will be at Macatawa Bank on 8th Street in their lower level
Our August 4th meeting will be at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Road near W 24th on the south side of Holland.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Diane Kooiker - 6/30/16Our thanks to Diane Kooiker, Herrick District Library, and our own Colleen Hill for their presentation on keeping the Herrick District Library Open.
Herrick District Library needs your "YES" vote on Tuesday, August 2! The millage levy funding for Herrick District Library will expire in 2016. On August 2, voters in the City of Holland, Holland Township, Laketown Township and Park Township will decide whether or not to continue library funding. Local millage levy dollars represent 85% of library funding. The library will not be able to continue to operate if the millage does not pass. The millage levy proposal requests 1.5 mills of funding over 14 years. This is the same level of funding that the community approved with the last library millage levy in 1996. Because August 2 will be the first time the District Library placed a ballot measure for the library, it will be listed as a new and additional tax. It is not a new tax. It is a request for the same level of funding approved 20 years ago. For more information, please see this link: http://www.yeshdl.org/ |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Renee Gavin - 6/23/16 |
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This week at Holland Rotary - Leaders 21st Century - 6/169/16Our thanks for the presentation on the Leaders of the 21st Century.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Windmill Island Project - 6/9/16Our thanks to Janet De Young, Ryan Cotton, Colleen Hill, Dick Chambers, and Andy for their presentation on the Windmill Island Project.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Baker College Rotaract - 6/2/16Thanks to Baker College Rotaract for their presentation on the HHOP Rotary Trip to Hondurus. (HHOP = Health and Humanitarian Outreach Projects)
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This week at Holland Rotary - Raffle Drawing! - 5/26/16Please join us to for the Holland Rotary Raffle Drawing! Sure to be interesting!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Paul Leidig - 5/19/16Our thanks to Paul Leidig for his presentation on the NCAA divisions and GVSU accomplishments.
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Raffle TicketsTurn in money and Raffle tickets in ASAP to Phil Brown!
The drawing is May 26th!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Special Education Luncheon 5/5/16Our thanks to the faculty and students at Lakewood Elementary School for a special time!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Swapping Treasures 4/28/16Our thanks to the Fund Raising Committee for the special evening event - Swapping Treasures! If you were not able to attend you missed a good time!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Carol Swart 4/14/16Our thanks to Carol Swart, Ed Swart and all the people on the Youth, Schools, and Colleges Committee for their presentation on Rotary Youth Programs.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Lotefa Villarreal 4/7/16Our thanks to Lotefa Villarreal for her presentation on A 2 Generation Approach to Combating Poverty: Circles Youth Program.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Ian Bruggles 3/31/16Our thanks to Ian Bruggles, a fellow Rotarian, for his presentation on Eagle Village.
See https://www.eaglevillage.org/ for more information.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Chris Briggs 3/17/16Our thanks to Chris Briggs for his presentation on Caribbean School for the Deaf in Jamaica.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Adolf Wolf 3/17/16Our thanks to Adolf Wolf for his presentation on growing up during World War II. We look forward to his updated book!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Randy Boss 3/10/16Our thanks to Randy Boss for his presentation and demonstration of AED. If you need help selling your company or organization on AED's, give him a call!
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Careerline Tech Canceled 2/25/16 The Careerline Tech Center meeting and lunch was canceled due to weather.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Careerline Tech 2/25/16Join us as we will be meeting at the Careerline Tech Center for our meeting and lunch. They will be giving us a tour and providing lunch. It is quite a facility and they offer a wide variety of programs.
Check it out at:
http://www.oaisd.org/ctc/programs/programsbycareerpathways/
The address is 13663 Port Sheldon Street in Holland, just east of US 31.
Sure to be interesting!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Joel Smith 2/18/16Thank you Joel Smith, Nestle Water, for a spirited presentation on water and on what Nestle does for conservation and sustainable methods for bottling water. We especially appreciate your company's donation of clean water to communities in need.us as we hear from Joel.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Bill Bundy 2/11/16Our thanks to Bill Bundy, Trendway, for his discussion on "The Past, Present and Future of Furniture Industry" as well as some insights on human nature.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Michelle Gibbs 1/28/16Our thanks to Michelle Gibbs from the City/Hope Sustainability Institute for her informative discussion on sustainability.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Elizabeth Giddings - Mediation ServicesOur thanks to Elizabeth Giddings (one of our new members!), for her discussion on "Mediation Services" offered for Ottawa and Allegan counties.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Annie Dandavati - U.S.A. and CubaOur thanks to Annie Dandavati, for her discussion of "U.S.A and Cuba - so Close and yet so Far!"
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This week at Holland Rotary - Wade Gugino and Jerry ShoupOur thanks to Wade Gugino and Jerry Shoup, for their "Character Development through Cartoons" presentation. For more information, Google GooTopia.
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This week at Holland Rotary - Evergree Chorale 12/17/15Our thanks to the Evergreen Chorale for their festive singing. Many of us especially enjoyed the Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer song including live characters! They have definitely added to our Christmas enjoyment!
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This week at Holland Rotary - Don Williams 12/10/15Our thanks to Don Williams for filling in at the last minute! His historical perspective on Heddy Lamar the inventor was quite enlightening! It is always inspiring when one of our own Club members can rise to the task!
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This Week at Holland Rotary 12/3/15 - Joe Koenig, AuthorOur thanks to Joe Koenig, author of "Getting the Truth." He provided great insights into truth and lies in addition to his Jimmy Hoffa information!
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Holland Rotary 11/19/15 - Meghann Reynolds, Holland TownshipThank you to Meghann Reynolds from Holland Charter Township, who provided good updates on happenings in the Township. Wouldn't she make a great Rotarian?
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A Note from our ChaplainI now have had the privilege of being with you as your chaplain for almost a year. It has been a delight to get to know many of you and to have a small part in responding to pastoral concerns that have arisen in some of your lives. I am eager to be of whatever assistance that may be helpful for you. Please contact me by phone (616-688-7356) since we are not on line at home, by choice. And even if we were hooked up, I would much prefer to talk directly with you than to rely on the anonymity that texting or online technology offers.
When I began my role as chaplain, I instituted a switch from the Invocation to An Inspirational Moment for the beginning of our luncheon meeting. An Invocation inappropriately blurs the time honored separation of church and state for us as a nonsectarian organization. Some of you have stepped up well to the challenge, but old habits are hard to change. I will continue to fill in for the Inspirational moment when slots have not been filled for the coming month.
David A. Brower |
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Holland Rotary 11/12/15 - Mike Lozon, Holland Farmers' MarketThanks to Mike Lozon, owner of The Write Way and author of "Where City and Country Connect - How the Holland Farmers Market Grew from a Few Vendors to a Community Treasure," who shared a bit of history on what has become a staple of the downtown scene. The book can be found at Reader's World on River, or at the farmers market on Saturdays.
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Holland Rotary 11/5/15 - Chris Eteinne, District Foundation ChairThanks to Chris Eteinne, Rotary Foundation Chair for District 6290, for providing great reminders on all that the Rotary Foundation supports through our giving! For more information on the Foundation, please visit its website HERE.
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This Week at Holland Rotary 10/29/15 - Dale Scrace, Shops at WestshoreJoin us for lunch this Thursday, as we are given an update on the de-malling project at the Shops at Westshore. Developer Dale Scrace will provide information on this undertaking. We look forward to seeing you at the Haworth!
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Holland Rotary 10/22/15 - District Governor's VisitThank you to our District Governor, Tom Schmidt, for sharing with us his focus for District 6290 in 2015-16. Those who attended left with an inspiration to "PUSH for Rotary." Thanks again!
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Holland Rotary 10/15/15 - Nancy Haaser, My House MinistriesThanks go to Nancy Haaser-Jones, who shared a bit about her outreach, My House Ministries. My House Ministries, LLC, exists to provide transitional housing and stability to women and children in need.
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This Week at Holland Rotary 9/24/15 - Joel Westmaas & Steve Gross, Taking Root MinistriesJoin us this week, as we hear about Taking Root Ministries, another fantastic local outreach. Presenting will be Joel Westmaas & Steve Gross. Make the Haworth Inn your Thursday lunch destination! For more information on Taking Root Ministries, please click here.
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This Week at Holland Rotary 9/17/15 - Club AssemblyJoin us at the Haworth, as we are given an update on the many facets of our club's inner workings. Come for fellowship, stay for lunch, and learn how the club is providing Service Above Self!
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Holland Rotary 9/10/15 - Captain Jack Dykstra, Holland Department of Public SafetyThank you to Captain Jack Dykstra of Holland DPS, who gave a fantastic presentation on the history of policing in Holland! It sure has come a long way since its founding!
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Holland Rotary 9/3/15 - Patrick Moran, United WayThank you to Patrick Moran, President of Greater Ottawa County United Way and a Grand Haven Rotarian, for giving us the opportunity to hear more about another fantastic community organization! For more information, click HERE.
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Holland Rotary 8/27/15 - Erik Scholten, Kids' Food BasketThanks to Afton DeVos and Erik Scholten of the Kids' Food Basket, who gave great insight into how their organization is fighting childhood hunger. For more information, please visit their website HERE.
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Holland Rotary 8/20/15 - Paul Vande Bunte, Good Egg ProjectThanks go out to Paul Vande Bunte, who provided excellent insight into the egg industry. Very fascinating, well done!
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Holland Rotary 8/13/15 - Peter DeBoer, Land Conservancy of West MichiganThank you to Pete DeBoer of the Land Conservancy, who enlightened us on the different ways his organization is preserving significant property throughout West Michigan.
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Holland Rotary 8/6/15 - David LeonardsThanks to David Leonards, a fellow Rotarian, who gave some anecdotes from his life in the International Entertainment Bureau. It is always interesting to hear about chapters in the lives of our colleagues.
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This Week at Holland Rotary 7/30/15 - Sarah Sanderson, Rotary Peace ScholarJoin us Thursday noon at the Haworth as we hear from our very own Rotary Peace Scholar, Sarah Sanderson! Sarah will soon be leaving to spend her Peace Fellowship studying in Japan; you do not want to miss the opportunity to hear from her this week! For more information on the Rotary Peace Fellowship, please visit this website.
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Holland Rotary 7/23/15 - Susan Fenton, MSU Extension 4-HThank you to Susan Fenton, 4-H program coordinator for MSU Extension, who gave an excellent presentation on the fantastic outreach that 4-H provides! Michigan 4-H, a part of Michigan State University Extension, allows over 200,000 young Michiganders to explore a diverse range of programs, creating a well-rounded educational experience. For more information, visit 4h.msue.msu.edu.
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This Week at Holland Rotary 6/25/15 - Sgt. Christiensen, Ottawa County DeputyJoin us at the Haworth today at noon, as we are given an update on heroin use in West Michigan, presented by Sgt Christiensen of Ottawa County. This is sure to be informative, don't miss it!
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Holland Rotary 6/18/15 - Kathy DeVriesThanks to one of our own, Kathy DeVries, who presented our next proposed international service project, improving agri-economic conditions in Kenya. This is a tremendous opportunity to make a huge impact in the lives of those in need; thank you for bringing this to our club!
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Holland Rotary 6/11/15 - Leaders of the 21st CenturyWe were pleased to be joined by the students who participated in this year's Leaders for the 21st Century program. Leaders for the 21st Century exists to build leadership qualities into the lives of middle school students from the Holland area. Thanks to the coordinators, leaders and counselors for all the time devoted in service to our community's future!
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Holland Rotary 6/4/15 - Project ClarityThank you to Lynn Kotecki, who provided an update on Project Clarity. Project Clarity's goal is to restore the water quality of Lake Macatawa and the Macatawa Watershed.
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Holland Rotary 5/28/15 - Sarah Sanderson, Peace ScholarA huge thanks to Sarah Sanderson, our own Rotary Peace Scholar! Her presentation on the Rotary Peace Fellowship was very enlightening, and we wish her well on her journey.
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This week at Holland Rotary - 8/7/14 Honduras Trip with Mark TuckerThis week featured a presentation from Mark Tucker on the trip to Honduras. Mark will be sharing more details in an upcoming eBulletin, so stay tuned!!
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Holland Rotary 8/14/14 - Nestlings Diaper Bank with Mandy WalkerAt the Holland Rotary noon program on August 14th, Mandy Walker shared the importance of supporting the Nestlings Diaper Bank. This is a great way to provide real necessities to those in need in your community.
 Why are diaper banks important? " Diapers are a basic health necessity for babies but are not provided by government assistance programs. Keeping a child in a clean diapers should not depend on how much money you have." For more information, you can find Nestlings Diaper Bank on Facebook or visit; http://nestlings.org/
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Holland Rotary 6/19/14 Coffee with Sherry WhiteHolland 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 formTo learn more about MBS click link:
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Holland Rotary Program 5/1 - Leo Brava from Chile - Inbound Student PresentationProgram 5/1 - Leo BravaLeonardo Brava is an Inbound Exchange Student from Chile. He provided in depth information about the amazing food, climate and culture of him home. As I said to Leo after the program, "I just added Chile to my MUST VISIT list!" Now, do I travel to the North, Small North, Central, South, Southern region...or all of the above?
Leo also shared with Rotarians information about the fire that has decimated parts of Valparaiso Chile and left thousands homeless. For anyone wanting to help please donate to District 4320. Holland Rotary is sending out a letter with details on directly donating directly to the district. Visitors to this site may email the Holland Rotary Communications Chair for a copy of the letter with donation details.
http://youtu.be/meSAA7hcUoA
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Holland Rotary Program - 4/17 - Eduarda Silvino from BrazilWhat 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
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Holland Rotary - 4/10 - Ending Poverty through "Circles" - Good Samaritan MinistriesCircles: "Our mission is to inspire and equip families and communities to resolve poverty and thrive" http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6vMKWFf8uhw "Circles" - Linda Jacobs and Stephanie Soderstrom
Circles is a national program with demonstrated success to help low income families move from financial stabilty to financial mobility. This is acheived by bringing people of diverse incomes together and engaging the whole community to change the systemic barriers for people to rise above poverty. Good Samaritan Ministries is the first Circles site in Michigan.
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Rotary Serves the World! Don't miss the International Pot-Luck Dinner Saturday, 3/22Rotary serves the World
Holland Rotary Youth Exchange Come And Get a Taste! International Pot-Luck Dinner
Enjoy an International Pot-Luck! & Meet Holland and International Rotary Exchange Students Proceeds support our local Rotary Area Youth Exchange Program
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
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Holland Rotary 3/20 - Rotary Leaders for the 21st Century - "From Taining to Action" - Lisa LindemulderRotary Leaders for the 21st Century
Rotary Leaders for the 21st 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
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Holland Rotary 3/13 - Bob Johnston - "Saving the Rainforest"
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.
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This week at Holland Rotary 2/27 - Ryan Cotton - City Youth Employment InitiativeJoin 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/
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Holland Rotary 2/20 - Rachel Hood - "Update on the state of West Michigan's Natural Resources"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:
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WINNER of the 2013 Interact Video Contest - Interact of Kathmandu Mid-Town!!! |
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Holland Rotary - 1/30/14 - World Peace Scholar ApplicantJanuary 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
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India is now declared Polio Free! - Update from John Morrison PDG 6289India 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 |
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Holland Rotary 1/23 - Rebound Student Hailey ElgersmaHear about Hailey Elgersma's trip to Denmark!!
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Andros Island Orphanage - Letter from Rudy VedovellThis 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 |
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Holland Rotary - 2/6 - Update on Gore, Ethiopia by Gary BogleProgram: update from Gary Bogle about the Gore, Ethiopia Project. ____________________________________________________________________________________ January 15, 2014 letter from Gary: On December 11th I returned from a visit to the construction site of the Rotary International Humanitarian project in Gore, Ethiopia.
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.
  While in Ethiopia, I became acquainted with many Rotary and citizen players in the building of the toilet/bathhouse in Gore. Rotarian Gebre Bekele from the Addis Ababa-West Rotary Club was my host during the visit. Gebre and I met on an elevator in Montreal at the 2010 International Rotary Conference and now the project is becoming a reality. After spending 11 days with Gebre, I can say that we are truly Rotarian friends.
 Over the next few weeks I will be presenting an update of this project at the Rotary Clubs in the Holland, Michigan area. The report for our club will be presented on Thursday February 6.
It took me four days to travel from Chicago to Gore. The road trip from Addis Ababa to Gore was a 20 hour drive on extremely rough roads! Although it was a difficult trip, it was MOST WORTHWHILE. I an anxious to share my experience with you.
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.
Tentative plans are in the works for a return trip to Gore in early May of 2014 to see the completed project and "cut the ribbon." If Rotarians interested, I will be happy to guide the group. Please contact me if your are interested in the "adventure" so that plans can be made.
Gary Bogle, Holland, Michigan
616-355-7144
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Holland Rotary - 1/16 - Project Clarity:Restoring the Lake Macatawa WatershedIf 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"
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Letter from Sarah Bass - Outbound Exchange - Seocheon, South KoreaI 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.
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Holland Rotary, 1/9/14 - Back from Brazil - Nathan MilanowskiRotary Exchange Rebound student,Nathan Milanowski,Experience Brazil!
Inbound Eduarda Silvino, Inbound Leonardo Bravo, Rebound Hailey Elgersma, Inbound Nadya Auynda, Rebound Nathan Milanowski, Mom Linda Milanowski
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Minutes from Club Assembly - 12/12/13Rotary 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.
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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.
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Holland Rotary Welcomes Dan O'Mealey - Holland's Newest Rotarian!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 |
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Holland Rotary, Thursday 01/02 - Windmill Island UpdateHappy 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.
http://www.cityofholland.com/windmillislandgardens
Other Holland City priorities are; Waterfront development, Civic Center reimagined, street improvement, neighborhood improvement and Holland Parks and Recreation.
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Road Clean up finishes STRONG!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!
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Outbound Exchange StudentsSarah 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.
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Compassionate Heart Ministries
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This Week: Dream Big! Past, Present and Future with Compassionate Heart MinistryCome 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." "What is Compassionate Heart Ministry? 
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Last Week: "Doing More. Together" with the Ottawa ISDAction 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/
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This Week at Rotary
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. |
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International Service Project - Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
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! |
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This Week at RotaryTHIS 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. |
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Don Lievense's Passing
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THIS WEEK AT ROTARY - Please note Change of VenueDue 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'". As a former advisor to former GM Chairmen Roger Smith and John Smale & author of "What's Good for General Motors," Thomas Crumm will speak about the importance of America's industrial sector. He will share his understanding of when and why America's industrial sector began to lose momentum and suggests a path to industrial recovery. He is eager to reengage American business leaders in industrial enterprises. His down to earth explanation of exchange rate manipulation implies that more voters in America's industrial sector need to weigh in on the difficult balance of Foreign Policy and domestic needs. The Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 in room MM 158. |
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Mike's Highway Cleanup CrewCompelled 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.!
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Installation of 2013-14 Officers and DirectorsPast 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.
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Engage Rotary / Change LivesClick on the arrow below to watch the video below of New RI President Ron Burton introducing the Rotary Theme for the 2013-14 year.
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Duty Roster Available On-LineClick HERE to view the long-term schedule.
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End Polio Now - Rotary Trip to India in Februaryhttp://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/6290/HTML/215941/2014PolioImmunizationTrip-India.pdf
Trip to India, February 14 through February 25
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Holland Rotary 12/12 - Janet DeYoung - Club AssemblyThank 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 |
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The Elevator Speech by Gary BogleYou 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). In the summer of 2010 I met Rotarian Gebregzeabher Bekele on an elevator at the R.I. International Conference in Montreal, Canada. I had wanted to meet an Ethiopian Rotarian because my daughter was born there in 1972. We talked as we traveled the three minutes from the first floor to the third floor. He had a meeting to the left and I had one down the hall to the right. We exchanged business cards and promised to communicate.And communicate we did. After several emails, we decided to develop a joint Rotarian venture in his hometown of Gore, Ethiopia. Gebre lived in Gore until he finished his high school education. He then moved to Addis Ababa for university and a work career.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 |
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Ayuba Gufwan and Wheels of HopeSince 2006 Ayuba Gufwan's organization, along with Wheels of Hope, has donated more than 7000 wheelchairs to polio survivors. Learn more: www.wheelsofhope.net
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Development of mygrcitypoints website with Jasmine OlsenHow 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.
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Last week at Rotary - Tulipanes!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 |
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Youth Exchange and Youth Leadership - What a great way to SERVE!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!
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Andy Vollink
Our sincere condolences to the family of Andrew Vollink who passed away on Friday, July 26 at the age of 100. Andy was a member of the Holland Rotary Club since 1953. He attended regularly until his health prevented his participation. He leaves a legacy of service and close friendships. We'll miss you, Andy.
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. |
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GSE Netherlands
GSE Netherlands with Carol Knutson, Tom Bos, and Ruggles Church |
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Rotary Leaders for the 21st Century"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" |
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Sentinel news releaseDuring 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. |
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Rotary Club of Holland Raffle |
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Welcome New Rotarian!
Tom Bos and Clay Stauffer |
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This Past Week At Holland Rotary...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:
For more information visit: www.midestinationeducation.org
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HELP WANTEDHELP WANTED
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 |
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The Youth, Schools, and Colleges subcommittees’ leaders Meeting
The Youth, Schools, and Colleges subcommittees’ leaders and members are going to meet 10:30 am to noon on March 28th at the Haworth Center breakfast area.
This includes: Life Leadership, Leaders of the 21st 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 |
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This Past Week at Holland Rotary...
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This Past Week at Holland Rotary…
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 |
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Please make sure you join us for the First ever nightly Rotary meeting!Please join us for an evening meeting Thursday March 14th at Baker Lofts
6:15 pm-7pm-Social hour cash bar
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 Please if you RSVP and can’t make it, please let Lori know by March 8. Please make sure you join us for the First ever nightly Rotary meeting! |
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Success at the Habitat for Humanity HomeThis past weekend Holland Rotary helped to build a home for Habitat for Humanity!
Mari Martin Jerry Hunsburger
AM Crew
AM Crew
Jody Wright
Thank you to all of the volunteers who participated!!!
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New Rotary Club Member!
Russ Miller, Rob Steck, and Mike Mitchell
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This Past Week at Holland RotaryDerek 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. 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. |
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Interact Club of Holland New Tech Grows!
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! |
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This Past Week at Holland RotaryMatthew 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. |
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Community Service Involvement!The Rotary Club of Holland is helping to build a home for The Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, February 16, 2013.
You may sign up from 8 AM – 12 PM
To sign up, please e-mail Jody Wright at
Thank you so much for your participation! |
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This Past Week at Holland Rotary
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. |
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This Past Week at Holland Rotary...
Kurt Dykstra, Russ Miller, Paul Elzinga Holland Rotary Speaker Kurt Dykstra, Mayor - City of Holland STATE OF THE CITY |
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Rotary Interact Club Gets Involved in the Community!
The former Family Fitness Center is being transformed into the new |
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This Past Week at Holland Rotary...
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. |
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This Past Week at Holland Rotary...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 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 For more information or to get involved, please visit
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Our Ottawa County Treasurer, Cheryl Clarke, gave an overview of the treasurer's operation.
Chief Judge Jon Van Allsburg gave us a history of court jurisdiction in Michigan and how it enabled Ottawa to combine services for families in one location. Michigan has 3 courts: District, Circuit, and Probate. Circuit courts have general jurisdiction, district courts handle criminal misdemeanor cases, and probate courts handle wills, estates, and competency hearings. Eventually, the state moved all cases regarding families to the circuit courts. The goal was to have "one family, one judge". This gives better service to families because the judge can understand all of the factors when rendering judgments.
Linda Jacobs (right) with Donna Bunce, Executive Director of Compassionate Heart Ministries, following her presentation on the August 15 Club Meeting.
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.
