Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

12.21.17 - No Luncheon - Holiday time celebration
2017-12-21 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States

12.19.17
2017-12-19 12:00 - 13:30 | Kuyper College, 3333 East Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States

12.14.17 - Holiday Luncheon
2017-12-14 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

12.7.17 - "Rotary in the PM"
2017-12-07 16:00 - 17:15 | Ronald McDonald House, 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Please join us for networking, appetizers and drinks at the Ronald McDonald House beginning at 4:00pm.
We will have a modified program followed by an opportunity to network with fellow Rotarian’s and guests. In addition, the staff at Ronald McDonald House will provide a tour of their facility.
We hope that you will bring your spouses, friends, co-workers, clients and prospect members to this fun event. The cost for each guest is $20.
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided, along with beer and wine.
Please RSVP by 12:00pm on Friday, December 1st.

11.30.17 - Tom Haas
2017-11-30 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
President Thomas J. Haas is Grand Valley State University’s fourth president.
During the past 35 years, Tom Haas has been a tenured faculty member, department chair, dean, vice president and president. Just prior to his appointment in 2006, Haas was president of the State University of New York Cobleskill. In addition to his appointment as president of Grand Valley, Haas has also been appointed professor of chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
He is a 1973 honors graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He then earned a Master of Science (MS) in chemistry; another in environmental health sciences from The University of Michigan. Haas also holds a MS in human resources management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT). Fellowship experiences in higher education include Yale University Faculty Fellow and an American Council on Education Fellow at Western Michigan University. He completed executive leadership programs at Harvard University. He was recently recognized with an honorary degree, Doctor of Science, by Kingston University in the UK and a second from Cracow University of Economics

11.23.17 -No Luncheon - Celebrate Thanksgiving Holiday
2017-11-23 12:00 - 13:15

11.16.17 - Peter Y. Hahn, MD, MBA
2017-11-16 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A senior physician leader with extensive experience in service line development, strategic planning, physician engagement and quality improvement. Has proven results leading system-wide change in challenging environments. Was a Mayo Foundation Scholar and a recipient of the Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellowship Award and the Mayo Foundation Burgher Family Fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine. Served in several leadership roles and was named a “Top Doc” by Portland Monthly Magazine and served as President of the Oregon Society of Critical Care Medicine and founded and led the Northwest section of the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology. Has published extensively and lectured and presented on numerous healthcare topics. Has national level expertise in healthcare policy, reimbursement and regulatory issues, and has served in national and regional leadership roles for different healthcare and related organizations An award-winning leader in community healthcare, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health serves more than 250,000 patients annually from across West Michigan – and beyond. In addition to its 208-bed hospital, which provides a comprehensive suite of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health has a growing number neighborhood outpatient centers and offices throughout West Michigan, as well as a community clinic for the underserved and student health clinics on the campuses of Grand Valley State University and Aquinas College.
Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
With more than 500 physicians on staff, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health provides a growing number of specialty health services, including cancer treatment, heart and vascular, neurology, pulmonology and others. Many staff physicians are members of the Metro Health Medical Group.
The hospital is committed to promoting health and wellness through the work of the Metro Health Hospital Foundation, Live Healthy community outreach classes and educational programs and more. Visit us www.metrohealth.net, follow us on Twitter @MetroHealthGr and like us on Facebook/MetroHealth.

11.9.17 - Ed Swart
2017-11-09 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Edward C. Swart, PhD, Rotary District 6290 Governor 2017-18
Ed, a semi-retired clinical psychologist, holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University and completed a residency at Northwestern University Medical School. For eight years, he was the clinical director of Ottawa County Community Mental Health Services, and he was in private practice (Psychological Services Center, LC, with PDG Don Moss) for 25 years in Holland, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Muskegon, and Allendale. For several years he was president of one of the largest psychologist-owned practices in Michigan. In his semi-retirement, Ed currently is a consulting supervisor to a local counseling agency.
Volunteering has always played an important role in Ed’s life. He spends several days a week in elementary schools; he chairs the Rotary Leaders for the 21st century leadership training program for middle schoolers which is co-sponsored by the Holland and Zeeland Rotary clubs; he has served on, and chaired, a number of church and community boards, including a local Cub Scout committee and the local chapter of the American Red Cross where he also started the Disaster Mental Health team.
Ed has been a member of the Rotary Club of Holland since 1984 and was President when the club sponsored the Holland AM Club. He has been active in Rotary Youth Exchange as YEO, host parent, Youth Protection Officer, and District Chair, and has mentored Rotary Ambassadorial and Peace Scholars. In the International Rotary arena, Ed has attended Rotary International Conventions in three countries and has served in Honduras for HHOP (Health and Humanitarian Outreach Projects) on their water and sanitation projects.
In 2004, Ed received his Club’s Distinguished Service Award. In the spirit of supporting the work of Rotary International, he is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and that tradition continues in the family with his wife Carol, their three children and his late wife Jan, all being Paul Harris Fellows. Ed and Carol first met in Rotary so it was a natural that he proposed to her at a Club meeting.
They enjoy football – GO BLUE! – theater, concerts, sailing, being active in Rotary, and spending time with their three children and three grandchildren.

11.2.17 - "Rotary in the PM" - RSVP's appreciated
2017-11-02 16:00 - 17:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
We will be hosting this week’s “Rotary in the PM” meeting at the University Club and encourage you to bring guests (spouses, significant other, friends, co-workers and prospective members. As usual we will have a condensed meeting agenda.
Please contact the Rotary office to RSVP for this event.
You will be provided with a drink ticket for beer or wine, along with spiced rum punch and hors d’oeuvres.
From 5:00pm-7:00pm attendees are then invited to join the “Soups and Sips for Scholarships” event taking place at the University. You will be able to take part in unlimited soup tasting and then voting for your favorite, along with raffles and more. Drink tickets will also be available to purchase. Parking will be provided.

10.26.17 - Brian Lennon
2017-10-26 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Brian Lennon specializes in criminal defense, particularly Health Care Fraud and other white collar and drug offenses, corporate internal investigations and compliance matters. As a federal prosecutor in Michigan and Virginia for 15 years and a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division, Brian has conducted hundreds of grand jury investigations, handled a variety of civil cases in U.S. District Courts throughout the country and tried nearly 70 criminal cases to verdict — from drunk driving to complex money-laundering schemes to murder. As Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Michigan, Brian supervised the Health Care Fraud and computer-related crimes units, among others. He also spent four and a half years as a judge advocate for the U.S. Marine Corps, handling both civil and criminal matters.
As a prosecutor, Brian watched some of the brightest and best-intentioned individuals and companies make poor decisions when they became the subject of an administrative, civil or criminal investigation. As a private-practice lawyer, he’s determined to help his clients avoid those missteps. “I understand the real world implications of investigations and criminal prosecutions,” he says. “I fully appreciate the fact that your liberty and livelihood are at stake.”
In 2011, Brian was honored with the prestigious “Superior Performance as a Criminal Prosecutor” award from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

10.19.17 - Jumpstart’s Read for the Record®
2017-10-19 14:00 - 15:00 | River City Scholars, 944 Evergreen St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507
Join the millions of children and adults who’ll be participating in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record® this year! Jumpstart is celebrating the 12th anniversary of its annual campaign, which gathers over 2 million people together around the world to read the same book on the same day. Read for the Record brings much needed attention to inequities in early childhood education, inspires adults to read with children, spurs policymakers and organizations to take action towards transformative change in early education, and puts books in the hands of children across the country.
This year’s campaign book, Quackers by Liz Wong, is a wonderful story that follows a kitten who grows up believing he is a duck. This tale is about understanding, acceptance, and learning it’s ok to be whoever you want to be. Every year, Jumpstart produces a special edition of its Read for the Record campaign book that features vocabulary tips, reading comprehension questions, and more resources to ‘jumpstart’ a child’s curiosity. Special editions are available in both English and Spanish.
We are asking you to add this volunteer opportunity to your calendar for Thursday, Oct. 19th at 2:00pm at River City Scholars at 944 Evergreen St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. Please contact Mark Johnson or James Eliassen to volunteer.

10.19.17 - Jeff Mason
2017-10-19 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
As CEO, Jeff Mason is charged with implementing and executing MEDC’s core mission of business development and attraction, community development, providing access to capital and improving Michigan’s image and brand.
From 2009 to 2017 Jeff was the Executive Director of Michigan’s University Research Corridor which is an alliance between Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University to transform, strengthen, and diversify Michigan’s economy. The vision of the University Research Corridor (URC) is to play a key role in creating a vibrant Michigan economy that leverages the intellectual capital of its three public research universities, to work proactively to attract the knowledge economy businesses that can find the research activity that feeds new enterprise, educate the workforce, and plants the seeds for the new industries of tomorrow.
Prior to joining the URC as Executive Director he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In that role Mason led a team responsible for the retention and expansion of existing Michigan businesses as well as the attraction of national and international companies to Michigan.
Before becoming Chief Business Development Officer, Mason headed up the Technology Development Group working to grow Michigan’s technology oriented segments of our state’s economy. Technology Development was engaged in the areas of technology transfer and commercialization, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and business development. Their focus was in the sectors of life sciences, homeland security, and advanced automotive technologies.
From 1990-1999, Jeff served in various roles on the Travel Michigan team, serving eventually as Managing Director of Travel Michigan.
Jeff received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Michigan State University.

10.12.17 - Honorable James Redford
2017-10-12 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
James Robert Redford was appointed interim director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency by Gov. Rick Snyder on Feb. 19, 2016 and director on April 27, 2016.
In September 1984, Redford was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) student program by his brother, who was then a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. Following law school, Redford served five years on active duty and an additional 23 years in the Navy Reserves. His assignments included several Staff Judge Advocate tours and three commanding officer assignments.
In 2007, Redford was selected to serve as a judge of the Navy and Marine Corps trial judiciary, serving as Commanding Officer of the Navy Reserve Trial Judiciary. His last assignment was in 2009 as Legal and Legislative Affairs Counsel to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon.
In July 2012, Redford transferred to retired status at the rank of Captain (O-6). His awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (twice), Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six times), Navy Achievement Medal (six times) and National Defense Medal (twice).
Prior to his MVAA appointment, he served as the governor’s chief legal counsel, Kent County Circuit Court judge and assistant U.S. attorney in the Western District of Michigan.
Redford earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from John Carroll University (Ohio) and his juris doctorate from the University of Detroit Law School.
He is married to Dianne Redford and has three children.

10.5.17 -"Rotary in the PM" - RSVP needed
2017-10-05 16:00 - 17:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Please join us for networking, appetizers and drinks at the University Club overlooking beautiful downtown Grand Rapids beginning at 4:00pm.
We will have a modified program followed by an opportunity to network with fellow Rotarian’s while enjoying the view of the city from the 10th Floor. Parking will be discounted.
We hope that you will bring your spouses, friends, co-workers, clients and prospect members to this fun event.
Please RSVP by 12:00pm on Tuesday, October 2nd.
Our Menu for the evening will include:

Domestic and Imported Cheese, Fresh Fruit & Crackers
Spinach Artichoke Dip with Crostinis
Tomato Bruschetta with Crostinis
Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Sesame Chicken with Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Sodas
Rum/Apple Cider Punch
Domestic Import Beer, Banquet Wines (we will provide 1 drink ticket and additional tickets can be purchased for $7)

9.28.17 - Scott Gilman
2017-09-28 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Scott Gilman, MSA, CBHE serves as the CEO for Network180 in Kent County Michigan. With a budget of $135 million, Network180 is the 4th largest mental health system in Michigan. Network180 connects behavioral health services to more than 10,000 individuals annually through its provider network.
Gilman has more than 23 years of successful healthcare leadership experience, providing fiscal, strategic and operational management across a diverse spectrum of behavioral health and physical health entities.
Prior to joining Network180 in 2013 Gilman served as CEO of the Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Authority for 7 years. Earlier in his career Gilman was the Director and developed Riverhaven Substance Abuse Coordinating Agency during Michigan’s first implementation of Prepaid Impatient Health Plans. Gilman also worked in physical healthcare as family practice and urgent care physician practice manager.
A certified healthcare executive, Gilman holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saginaw Valley State University and a master of science in administration from Central Michigan University.

9.21.17 - Karen McCarthy
2017-09-21 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Karen McCarthy is a Regional Public Affairs Manager for Consumers Energy, based in Grand Rapids. She is responsible for local government and community relations, economic development and charitable giving in southern Kent County and western Ottawa County, and supervises a team of employees with similar responsibilities in southwest and west Michigan.
Karen was a member of the Ottawa County Economic Development Office Board of Directors until it merged with Lakeshore Advantage in late 2014. She serves on the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs Committee, Tax and Regulatory Affairs Committee and Public Policy Council. She chairs the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce Government Matters Committee, which was named the Committee of the Year in 2013. Karen was appointed by the Mayor to serve on the City of Grand Rapids Urban Forestry Committee and the River Corridor Plan Committee. She is a former member of planning commissions in Cascade Charter Township and the City of Kentwood. Additionally, Karen volunteers with the Heart of West Michigan United Way, the Michigan Women’s Foundation, and Cornell University’s Project FeederWatch.
Karen has worked for Consumers Energy for 32 years. She formerly chaired the company’s political action committee and was selected as Employee for Better Government of the Year in 2011. She previously worked for the Michigan Legislature, Michigan State University and DeWitt Public Schools.
Karen graduated cum laude from Furman University in Greenville, S.C., with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, and is an accredited member (APR) of the Public Relations Society of America. In her spare time, she enjoys birding, reading and gardening. Karen and her family live in Alto.

9.14.17 - Kent Riddle
2017-09-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Mary Free Bed, 350 Lafayette SE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
You may not expect an engineer to be at the helm of the nation’s 4th largest rehabilitation system, but Kent Riddle is more than comfortable in that role. After graduating from Purdue University in Construction Management and Engineering, Kent’s career began on a likely track: commercial and industrial real estate development, building design and construction, and global mergers and acquisitions for Steelcase, Inc.
Kent’s professional path realigned when his wife, Susan, suffered a traumatic brain injury and recovered at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. He joined the hospital board and was invited to become Chief Executive Officer in 2011.
Known around the hospital as the Energizer Bunny, during the past five years Kent has initiated and integrated monumental changes at Mary Free Bed with significant results including:

The number of employees has gr0wn by 74%
A $66 million expansion and renovation project is nearing completion with a leading-edge hospital, designed specifically for rehabilitation, operational for the past year.
The number of inpatient beds on the main campus has more than doubled going from 80 to 167.
The Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Network was created in 2011 and now has 31 hospital members across Michigan – with an additional 100 inpatient acute-care rehabilitation beds in this system.
The Mary Free Bed Foundation was established in 2012 and has raised $20.4 million.

But clearly the most important accomplishment for Kent is the 187% increase in the number of patients served. And, no one understands better than Kent what it means to have futures transformed through rehabilitation.

9.7.17 - "Rotary in the PM" - RSVP required
2017-09-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Colliers International, 333 Bridge St NW, Suite 1200, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Jason Webb and Colliers will be hosting our second “Rotary in the PM” meeting.
Please join us for networking, appetizers and drinks at Colliers International in Bridgewater Place overlooking beautiful downtown Grand Rapids.
We will have a modified program followed by an opportunity to network with fellow Rotarians while enjoying the view of the city from Colliers 12th Floor. Parking will be validated. Driving Directions
We hope that you will bring your spouses, friends, co-workers, clients and prospect members to this fun event.

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Colliers International is one of the most respected names in the commercial real estate industry because of the innovative results we deliver to our clients. With a culture devoted to service excellence, the West Michigan organization has a reputation that rests on its ability to create effective, customized solutions for a broad spectrum of client needs. Defined by our spirit of enterprise, Colliers International leverages the vast resources of our global network and local expertise to provide superb services to accelerate the success of our clients. Our advisors rely on teaming to offer the best services to our clients. This collaborative effort allows the organization to create customized solutions and offer specialized focus to each and every project. Together, we are committed to ensuring that our clients have the best possible experience and that we deliver solutions that meet their objectives and drive their success and their business forward.

8.31.17 - No Luncheon - Labor Day recognition
2017-08-31 12:00 - 13:15

8.24.17 - Volunteer for Disability Advocates ADA Compliance
2017-08-24 16:30 - 17:00
Volunteer Opportunity with Disability Advocates
Thursday, August 24 1:30pm-4:30pm
Groups of two will evaluate the sidewalks and curb crossings walking along Division, starting at Fulton, and heading south to Wealthy.
We will meet at the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art (UICA).
Family, friends, & co-workers are invited, as well. Please reach out to Dave Bulkowski @ dave.b@dakc.us, if you are interested or have questions.

8.24.17 - Rosalynn Bliss
2017-08-24 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss became the City of Grand Rapids’ first female Mayor when she took office on January 1, 2016. She previously served as a Second Ward City Commissioner for 10 years.
Mayor Bliss also is an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University’s School of Social Work. She earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of South Alabama and a master’s in social work from Michigan State University.
Mayor Bliss is active in her profession and in the community. She is President of the Michigan Municipal League and serves on the boards of the Downtown Development Authority, Experience Grand Rapids, Grand Valley Metro Council, Kent County Land Bank Authority and Interurban Transit Partnership, among many other organizations.
She is a member of the West Michigan Environmental Leadership Network, and she serves on the Mayors Innovation Project Steering Committee.
Mayor Bliss has been recognized and honored locally as well as statewide for her commitment, dedication and work in the field of child abuse and neglect and for her leadership in the community. Recognitions include:

Crain’s 100 Most Influential Women
Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan
Five-time recipient of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty distinction
West Michigan Public Relations Society of America’s Communicator of the Year Award
ATHENA Young Professional Award
Tim Pope Memorial Award for Outstanding Young Governmental Leader
Christine Nelson Professional Award for Service to Children
Michigan Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Special Recognition Award

As Mayor, she is committed to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as addressing disparities in our community and making sure that Grand Rapids is the place for everyone.
She also is committed to engaging the community in local government and encouraging citizens – particularly women and minorities – to serve on boards and commissions. She believes that local government needs to reflect the diverse community in which we live.

8.17.17 - Johnny Brann Sr. & Johnny Brann Jr.
2017-08-17 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Johnny Brann Sr.
Johnny Sr. is a second-generation restauranteur with over forty years of experience. Along, with his brothers Tommy and Mike, Johnny has extended the legacy of their famous father, John Brann Sr., who made the sizzling sirloin steak a favorite dinner in Grand Rapids. Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille now has ten locations across Michigan and is heavily involved in the communities they serve.
Johnny Brann Sr. is a leading advocate for law enforcement, tirelessly fundraising, volunteering, and spearheading efforts to support families of fallen officers, dedicate police memorials (including the Service Above Selfie grand prize winning contribution to the Richmond Park Memorial), and challenge local government to increase funding. Further, Johnny continues to aid Veterans and active military, as well as fire departments, and other emergency/first responder heroes. He also gives back to his community by serving small business groups, neighborhood associations, school systems and youth sports programs, and many other local and non-profit organizations.

Johnny Brann Jr.
Johnny Jr. continues the proud family restaurant tradition by growing both the legendary Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille brand and the new Kitchen 67 brand. Like his father, Johnny is committed to growing his surrounding communities and giving back to various organizations. Johnny serves on multiple boards, including West Leonard Business Association, West Grand Neighborhood Association, Grand Rapids Transformation Advisory Council, GR Community Challenge Foundation Scholars Program, and more. He was named to GRBJ’s “40 Under 40” List and continually advocates for youth education programs (Back to School Kids Parade and Games) and fighting hunger (Feed the Hungry).

8.10.17 - Matt Chapman and Wendy Ogilvie
2017-08-10 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Matt Chapman, Project coordinator and director of Grand Rapids Whitewater earned a BS in Advertising and Public Relations and holds a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Matt spent his summers as a child playing in and along the Chippewa River in Midland, MI. where he first developed a passion for the outdoors. Matt came to Grand Rapids Whitewater in 2015 after serving as the Executive Director of Alternatives in Motion for four years. Matt brings over 10 years of nonprofit fundraising and leadership development experience to the Grand Rapids Whitewater team and is excited to be part the historic effort to put the rapids back in the Grand for everyone.

Wendy Ogilvie, Director of Environmental Programs; Grand Valley Metro Council (GVMC)
Wendy holds a BS in Forestry from The University of Michigan and an MS in Resource Development from Michigan State University. She worked for Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. for 13 years focusing on water resource management projects. She joined GVMC in 2013 as the Director of Environmental Programs. Her work focuses on watershed & stormwater management, including facilitating Municipal Stormwater Permits and promoting green infrastructure practices. She is currently working with partners through facilitating Municipal Stormwater Permits and promoting green infrastructure practices. She is currently working with partners through the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds and Grand Rapids Whitewater to restore connective and improve habitat in the Grand River.
Presentation Description: Grand Rapids Whitewater is an innovative, local nonprofit organization focused on the revitalization of the Grand River through Grand Rapids and restoration of the city’s historic namesake rapids. The goals of this project are to expand recreational uses, improve aquatic habitats, enhance environmental quality of the community, and boost tourism, business growth and employment opportunities along the riverfront in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan. Grand Rapids Whitewater, in partnership with numerous agencies and organizations, including the City of Grand Rapids and the Grand Valley Metro Council, has been studying the project since 2009. This presentation will illustrate historical uses of the Grand River, showcase the complexities of the project, provide a current project update, and explore the environmental, economic, and social benefits associated with a revitalized Grand River system.

8.7.17 - 21st Annual Rotary Open
2017-08-07 12:00 - 18:30 | Blythefield Country Club, 5801 Northland Dr, Belmont, MI, 49306, United States
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation presents the 21st annual Rotary Open on Monday, August 7, 2017 at 12:00pm at Blythefield Country Club. A day of food, fun and fellowship will support the charities of the Grand Rapids Rotary Club.
To become a SPONSOR to register to GOLF, or to join the 19th Hole Awards Celebration click here: Sponsor/Registration Form
Among the philanthropic programs supported by Rotary, this year’s event will assist STRIVE, a mentoring program, providing scholarships for high school seniors in Grand Rapids Public Schools; Indian Trails Camp, which empowers individuals with disabilities by providing enrichment services for people of all abilities; Senior Neighbor Holiday Luncheon, bringing joy and happiness to seniors during the Holiday season; and Boyden-Shearer Scholarships, providing several college scholarships to Grand Rapids areas high school seniors, just to name a few.
Eighteen holes of golf, lunch, 19th Hole Awards Celebration and a cash bar, along with Live and Silent auctions will make for a fun filled day, while supporting local organizations.
The fee for GOLFERS is $200 per person and includes an 18 hole golf scramble, (6) $100 competition holes, a hole-in-one (car to be determined), driving and practice ranges, boxed lunch with soft drinks on course, beverage station on course, 19th Hole Awards Celebration and access to the Live and Silent auctions.
Non-golfers are encouraged to attend the 19th Hole Awards Celebration. Join the golfers for a Happy Hour Cash Bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres with a carving station, access to the Live and Silent Auctions for $40 per person.
There is nothing more ROTARY than GOLF
Is it the TRUTH?
Absolutely, we never lie on the golf course, especially about our stroke count. Golfers are very honest people.
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Of course, the course and game is set so all golfer have an equal opportunity. Tee off from Black, Blue White or Red and then we have a “handicap”. What could be fairer?
Will it build GOODWILL AND BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
The best friends in the world are your “golfing buddies”. There is nothing more friendly than four guys or gals playing a round of golf every Thursday or Saturday morning or spending four days in Palm Springs, Scottsdale or Hilton Head. And nothing brings more goodwill than friends playing a round of golf.
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The 21st Annual Rotary Open will benefit our Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation supporting it’s many philanthropic projects and programs.
We hope you will join us on Monday, August 7 at Blythefield Country Club where all is TRUTHFUL, FAIR, FRIENDLY AND BENEFICIAL TO ALL . After all, it is GOLF!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!!!!!!
MAJOR SPONSOR

HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSOR

ACE SPONSORS

EAGLE SPONSOR

FAIRWAY SPONSOR
The Peter Secchia Family
PAR SPONSOR

PUTTING GREEN – SCORE CARD – SCORE BOARD – DRIVING RANGE SPONSORS

PROGRAM SPONSOR

TEE and GREEN SPONSORS
Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Board of Directors

TEE SPONSORS
Dr. Larry Robson

GREEN SPONSORS
George Trowbridge

8.03.17 - Carl VerBeek and Varnum
2017-08-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Varnum, 333 Bridge St NW - 17th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
Please join us for our inaugural First Thursday afternoon meeting on Thursday, August 3, 4:00pm at Varnum. Please RSVP by 12:00pm on Friday, July 28th to the Rotary office at rotary@grrotary.org or by calling 616-459-5640.
We will have a modified program followed by an opportunity to network with fellow Rotarians and guests while enjoying the view of the city from Varnum’s rooftop terrace. Parking will be validated. driving_directions

7.27.17 - Tim Hileman
2017-07-27 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
EVERYONE WANTS ANOTHER BEST DAY
IKUS Life Enrichment Services helps individuals with disabilities to discover their potential, experience greater freedom, learn new skills, and have fun in a safe environment. Ultimately, IKUS gives clients the tools they need to make every day another best day.
Because everyone wants another best day, IKUS serves individuals from five years old to eighty-plus. We also serve clients with a wide variety of abilities, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, congenital anomalies, down syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis, arthrogryposis, cognitive impairments, and other developmental and/or physical abilities, helping them to live joyful, productive lives through services that address each person’s specific needs and goals.

SUPPORTING FAMILIES, GUARDIANS, AND CASEWORKERS
One of our goals is to serve our clients’ natural and support systems, making the lives of parents, guardians, and case managers easier. To that end, our services give caregivers a much-needed break from their duties. Even better, IKUS’s comprehensive suite of services help individuals with disabilities attain greater independence and satisfaction in their lives, which in turn brings greater satisfaction to those who care for them.

Indian Trails is a remarkable facility that brings adaptive recreation to the lives of each camper. It is simple in theory, but daunting in task. Indian Trails offers a barrier-free camp setting in which those with disabilities can participate in all manner of activities the outside world is ill-equipped to provide. It is a place filled with fun, recreation and friendship. Campers learn perseverance, team-work and self-reliance. They leave for home loaded with love, respect and memories.
The history of the partnership between Indian Trails Camp and the Grand Rapids Rotary Club is one of energy, commitment and loyalty. Since 1953 Rotarians have invested their time and money toward the success of the camp, helping Indian Trails become a community and state treasure, and one of only five camps in the nation serving the most disabled group with barrier-free camping facilities.
Indian Trails Camp, located six miles west of Grand Rapids, has been providing camping experiences to individuals with disabilities since 1953. Campers return year after year to suspend personal obstacles long enough to enjoy those activities we all remember as part of a treasured camping experience – swimming, canoeing, archery, music, competitive sports, challenge course, dances, and most of all, the opportunity to make friendships and build relationships that affirm and encourage greater self-discovery.
Indian Trails’ campers range in age from 5 to 70+ with such disabilities as: spina bifida; cerebral palsy; traumatic brain injury; congenital anomalies; down-syndrome; autism; multiple sclerosis; arthrogryposis and cognitive impairments.

7.20.17 - Jason Meyer
2017-07-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, 49504, United States
Jason Meyer is currently the President and CEO at Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a background in conservation, environmental education, and nonprofit management, he brings a diverse set of skills and experiences to the profession. Over the past several years, Jason has led two nature centers in Michigan – Fenner Nature Center in Lansing, where he coordinated the transition of a city-owned nature center to nonprofit management and Blandford Nature Center, where his largest accomplishments are, so far, guiding the organization through a $10.3 million campaign and, separately from that campaign, the acquisition of the former Highlands Golf Club.
Jason was recognized by the Association of Nature Center Administrators as the inaugural Outstanding New Leader Award recipient in 2014 and was a finalist for the 2015 Exemplary Executive Award through the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids.

7.13.17 - Christian Gaines
2017-07-13 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Christian Gaines was born in Brussels, Belgium to American parents, moved to the United Kingdom when he was four years old, then came to the United States in 1984 to attend Vassar College, graduating in 1987 with a B.A. in English Literature.
In 1988, Christian helped to start the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival, serving until 1994 as Administrative Director of this communication and hospitality center for the American film community attending Cannes. In 1990, he also went to work for the Hawaii International Film Festival as Administrator, and then served as Film Coordinator and Film Programmer in Hawaii from 1992 until 1994, dividing his time between Honolulu, Los Angeles and Cannes. During that time, he also coordinated the Asia-Pacific Film Tour, a fifteen-film, eleven-city tour of films from Asia and the Pacific Rim.
In August 1994, Christian was appointed Senior Film Programmer at the Sundance Film Festival where he was part of the team that programmed the 1995 and 1996 Sundance Film Festivals. He was also the first Director of New Media for the Sundance Institute and a consultant for the Sundance Channel. From 1996 to 2000 he served as Festival Director and Director of Programming for the Hawaii International Film Festival, where he was responsible for its overall management and programming.
In June 2000, Christian was appointed Director of Festivals at the American Film Institute (AFI), where he was responsible for several festival and film programming projects, including the annual AFI FEST presented by Audi. Christian developed AFI’s year-round exhibition programs of film series, mini-festivals, retrospectives and exclusive advance screenings – “AFI at ArcLight” and “Cinema’s Legacy: How Great Filmmakers Inspire Great Filmmakers.” In his first few years at AFI, Christian helped to start SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival, now called AFI Docs. In his role at AFI, Christian also spearheaded the launch of the Dallas International Film Festival.
In 2008, Christian joined IMDb.com, an Amazon.com company, where he was Director of Festival Strategy and Business Development overseeing the global expansion of Withoutabox.com, a web community and film submission platform connecting filmmakers to film festivals worldwide.
In April 2013 Christian joined ArtPrize as Executive Director. ArtPrize is a radically open, independently organized international art competition, annually attracting over 400,000 attendees and around 1,500 artists to Grand Rapids, Michigan over 19 days. $500,000 is awarded to artists through prizes that are determined equally by both public vote and expert jury. ArtPrize encourages critical discourse, celebrates artists, transforms urban space and promotes cultural understanding.
Christian has served on numerous film festival juries including Sundance, SXSW, Denver, Dallas, Montreal and Warsaw; has participated on numerous panels worldwide about film, film festivals, art and technology; has independently consulted for several film festivals and film projects; has attended many, many film festivals around the world; serves on the IFP Program Advisory Board, the Film Collaborative Advisory Board and has filed periodically for the online independent film daily Indiewire.com. He is a council member on the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
Christian is a movie and music fanatic, has run seven marathons (and counting) and was the bass player in an LA-area rock band. He has a regular music show on community radio WYCE-FM. Christian is married to Dr. Kristen Taylor, a cognitive psychologist, writer and development specialist. They have two spectacular children Lola (21) and Luke (18) and they recently traded Los Angeles for Grand Rapids in West Michigan to play a part in its growing reputation as a hotbed for art, design, culture, innovation and urbanism.

7.6.17 - President's "Passing the Tiller"
2017-07-06 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

6.22.17 - Jon Hankins and Mario Benevides
2017-06-22 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Jon Hankins, Community Relations Officer, Aquinas College

Mario Benavides Llanos, Director of Operations, Nicaragua
Mario is native of Nicaragua and a chemical engineer with extensive experience in a broad array of endeavors in the business, engineering and agricultural sectors. He has been with Aqua Clara since 2009 and is now Director of AcquaNic, our in-country organization in Nicaragua.
