Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

9.23.21 - Emilee Syrewicze
2021-09-23 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A native of Northwest Michigan, Emilee Syrewicze previously served as the Executive Director of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina. Prior, she was Executive Director of the Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing (NMSH) in Traverse City, Michigan.
Syrewicze, a classically trained pianist, earned a B.A. at Alma College, Alma, Michigan, in Political Science with concentrations in chemistry and music and a J.D. with a focus on nonprofit and environmental law/policy at Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vermont. During law school, Emilee clerked for the Center for Environmental Law & Policy in Seattle, Washington.
Emilee is currently on the Board of Directors for the Torch Conservation Center in Torch Lake, MI and the East Fulton Business Association in Grand Rapids.

9.18.21 - Rotary GR Duck Derby
2021-09-18 13:00 - 14:00 | MI
The winners of the first annual GR Rotary Duck Derby have been notified!

Cash Prize Winners

$2,500 – Irene W.

$1,000 – Jason M.

$ 500 – Jim R.

Swag Bag Winners

Christina D.

David B.

Mary W.

Ed B.

Kevin P.

Carl V.

Nick W.

Thank you once again to everyone that participated in our event!

A complete list of Prize Winners can be obtained by sending a written request to Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation, 1345 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Event info can be found at: Rotary GR Duck Derby

Rotary GR Duck Derby

Race Day Excitement!
Adopt a Duck, or MANY DUCKS, for your chance to WIN BIG!
Every duck is individually numbered!

Each adopted duck comes with its own numbered adoption certificate!

All ducks are released into a special racecourse on the Grand River

The ducks will mix & mingle their way to a finish line!

Duck adoptions must be completed by 5 PM on September 17, 2021

You do not need to be present to win!
Prizes

First Duck Down the Chute to the Finish Line – WINS $2500
Second Duck to the Finish Line – WINS $1000
Third Duck to the Finish Line – WINS $500
Place 4 -10 – Receives a Sponsor Swag-Bag!

Adoption proceeds after event expenses support our local charity programs in West Michigan.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Grand Quacker

Consumers Credit Union

Quacker Backer

97 LAV-FM Classic Rock

NPF Investment Advisors

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

Lucky Duck

Lake Michigan Insurance Agency

Mercantile Bank

Peter Albertini Properties – Keller Williams Realty

Sculley Statewide Moving

Miller Johnson Attorneys

Integrated Architecture

S. Abraham & Sons Inc.
Friend of the Flock

Christopherson Orthodontics

Service Express

Williams Kitchen & Bath

Paul and Nick Farr

Alan and Debbie Abraham

9.16.21 - Know Me Better
2021-09-16 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Info is pending

9.9.21 - Gary Chenoweth
2021-09-09 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Spent early years growing up on a family farm in Bourbon, IN. After graduating from high school, attended Purdue University obtaining a BS in Food Science. While at Purdue, met my future wife Mary. Later God blessed us with 2 children, Rob and Amy.
For forty years, worked in the Refined Edible Oil (soy and canola) Industry for large Agriculture Corporations. Lived in either Fort Wayne, IN or Saint Louis, MO. for majority of those years.
After retirement in 2013, Mary and I relocated to our favorite vacation spot, Elk Rapids, MI. It was here where I started my Rotary journey. Organization with the motto “Service Above Self” was exactly what I was looking for in retirement phase of my life. Bonus has been, through Rotary, many doors were opened to the local Volunteer Network where wonderful people have been met.
For past two years, served as District 6290 Foundation Committee Polio Chair. What a special day it will be, for all Rotarians, when Polio is totally eradicated from the World!!

9.2.21 - Club 77 - hosted by Sheri & Asgi Fazleabas
2021-09-02 16:00 - 18:30 | MI
This fun event will be held at the home of the our own husband and wife Rotarians, Asgi and Sheri Fazleabas from 4:00-6:30pm…..(please disregard time on flyer).

A fun event for networking and socializing, while getting to know more about Rotary and our members.
Rotarians, please feel free to invite a your spouse, significant other, guest, friend, co-worker, or prospective member for a fun afternoon while enjoying food, beverages and friendship, with an international flair.
RSVP to the Rotary office by by Monday, August 30th. Please don’t forget to include the name of your guest.

8.26.21 - Torrence Richardson
2021-08-26 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Tory Richardson, A.A.E., is the President & Chief Executive Officer for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. He is responsible for leading a team of approximately 110 employees that
plan, organize, direct, and control all functions and activities of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport – the second busiest airport in Michigan.
Tory joined the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority in September 2019, bringing with him more than two decades of aviation experience. He served as the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority for the past seven years. Prior to his time in Columbus, Tory served as the Executive Director of Airports for the Fort
Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority in Indiana for more than eight years. He also had roles as Executive Director of Rapid City Regional Airport in Rapid City, South Dakota, and was an Airport
Operations Officer at the Dubuque Regional Airport in Iowa.
Tory is the past chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). He has served on the AAAE policy review committee and is a past president of the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. He has also held leadership positions with the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) and is also the past president of the Ohio Aviation Association. Tory ee in Aviation Management from the University of Dubuque.

8.19.21 - Brian Calley
2021-08-19 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Brian Calley is a collaborative leader who combines the skills from an accomplished private sector career with a heart for public service and a record of getting things done. He is passionate about making the world work better for all people and uses an inclusive problem-solving approach to make a difference.
As President of the Small Business Association of Michigan, Brian is able to put his passion for Michigan’s small businesses to work. He serves on the board of directors of a community bank and on the boards of both Special Olympics Michigan and the Autism Alliance of Michigan. He is also a Trustee of Oakland University.
Calley had the honor of serving as Michigan’s 63rd Lieutenant Governor from 2011-2018 where his work focused on a wide range of issues ranging from major tax code revisions to autism, disability, and mental health policy improvements.
Prior to serving as lieutenant governor, Calley served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, two terms as an Ionia County commissioner and worked for over a decade in community banking. He holds degrees from Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Brian and his wife Julie live in Portland with their three children: Collin, Reagan and Karagan.

8.12.20 - Jeremiah Gracia & Layla Aslani
2021-08-12 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Jeremiah Gracia joined the City of GR Economic Development Office in May 2020. He has 16 years of economic development experience working in the Columbus and Findlay, Ohio markets. His experience includes international business development working with companies from Japan, Germany, India, Netherlands, and many others. He is a member of the Michigan Economic Developers Association and is serving as an Annual Meeting Host Committee Member for the statewide conference that will be hosted in Grand Rapids on August 22-25.
His wife and four children enjoy visiting all the great West Michigan beaches.

Layla Aslani is a Planning Project Manager for the City of Grand Rapids Planning Department. In this role, she focuses on long-range planning and is currently working on a multi-year effort to update the City’s Master Plan. She is also active in the Michigan Association of Planning and serves on the statewide conference planning committee.
Layla holds a bachelor’s in communication studies and a master’s in urban planning, both from the University of Michigan. Prior to joining the City in 2014, Layla worked in the private sector and as a print journalist.
Originally from the Upper Peninsula, she spends her free time exploring West Michigan and beyond.

8.5.21 - Club 77 - Community Impact Grant Celebration
2021-08-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Varnum, 333 Bridge St NW - 17th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
The Club 77 Committee and the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation Community Impact Grant Committee would like to invite you and a guest to join them to celebrate the announcement of the grant recipient(s).
The event will be held from 4:00-5:30pm on Varnum’s rooftop deck at 333 Bridge St NW 17th Floor.
There will also be time for networking and socializing, while getting to know more about Rotary and our members.
Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served and parking will be validated for the Bridgewater Place parking ramp.
Space will be limited, so an RSVP is necessary to attend and is due no later than Thursday, July 29th.
To RSVP, simply reply to this email and add the name of your guest, should you have one.
Please contact the Rotary office via email at rotary@grrotary.org or at 616-459-5640 should you have any questions.

7.29.21 - Mike Wall
2021-07-29 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Mike Wall serves as the Executive Director of Automotive Analysis at IHS Markit. He brings over 25 years of financial analysis, forecasting, consulting and manufacturing experience to the firm, with a primary focus on assisting financial firms and manufacturers in their evaluation and understanding of the auto industry, as well as in-depth analysis of vehicle markets and trends.
Mike has extensive experience working with both manufacturing and financial firms. With a knowledgebase established studying and covering the automotive industry as well as experience in financial analysis and banking, Mike is able to offer clients timely and relevant insight, thereby aiding their strategic planning or investment analysis processes. Moreover, he has a deep background in the area of vehicle forecasting and market trend analysis allowing him to assist clients in their assessment of near-term risks and planning scenarios.
Mike is quoted frequently in the media on a variety of automotive topics and has delivered presentations focusing on both macroeconomic and specific market outlooks to company executives and other interested groups, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in Vienna, Austria.
Prior to joining IHS Markit, Mike was the Director of Forecasting at IRN, Inc. He has also held financial and analytical positions in the manufacturing and banking sectors. Mike graduated Summa Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree in Finance from Grand Valley State University. He later earned the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.

7.22.21 - Brad Garmon
2021-07-22 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
In September 2019, Brad Garmon was named director of the Michigan Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, a unique position that combines the resources of the Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Economic Development Council to support and grow Michigan’s outdoor recreation lifestyle industry.
Prior to this position, Garmon served as the interim CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council in Lansing, and throughout his professional career has worked build stronger alliances between outdoor recreation businesses, community-based economic development and natural resource stewardship.

7.15.21 - Scott Blakeney & Indian Trails Camp Visit
2021-07-15 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
Please join us for our annual visit to Indian Trails Camp, to learn about their history and our Club’s long-term support. Since the 1950’s IKUS/ITC has exclusively served individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, from across Michigan and neighboring states.
Scott Blakeney will be providing an update about programming, the impact of COVID and how IKUS/ITC has been able to adapt. Enjoy a tour of the campus and a delicious lunch prepared by the camp chef. If you’ve been to camp before, things may look a bit different, so come and see what’s been happening!
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Indian Trails Camp and IKUS Life Enrichment Services
Indian Trails Camp was founded in 1952 by the Kent County Cerebal Palsey Parents Club. These parents wanted a traditional camp experience accessible for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. Two teachers from Eastern Orthopedic School joined the club, along with medical professionals from Mary Free Bed. Tom Muller was president of the Club. Some financial aid was provided by the State of Michigan and Grand Rapids Board of Education.
In 1953 the first camp was held at Yankee Springs, and Wayne Muller was one of the camp counselors (and ITC Board President in 1971!). The second year camp was held at St. Mary’s Lake, and camp continued to grow. This success led the founders to search for a permanent camp home, and further organization. Grand Rapids Rotarian Fritz Meuller Jr contacted the Rotary Club regarding support, and that year the Club donated the money designated for their Christmas Party, to the camp.
Through the efforts of the GR Rotary, the City of Grand Rapids agreed to lease a parcel of land in Aman Park as the permanent home of camp. Indian Trails Camp became a reality, and the 1955 camp season was held in Aman Park (there was only one building at the park that year). Progress continued, and in 1956 ITC became a non-profit corporation. John Bertsch was the first president of the Indian Trails Camp Board of Directors.
Later, after receiving the gift of a pool, the GR Rotary conducted an $80,000 fund drive and built eight sleeping cabins. Next $115,000 was raised for renovations of the Ojibway Lodge, pool enclosure and a pontoon boat. The GR Rotary conducted another fund drive in 1980 chaired by Donald Porter. $130,000 was raised to build a sewage system, maintenance building, laundry, bathing facilities, and an outdoor chapel/ampitheater. As the kids aged Indian Trails began serving both children and adults, now 75% of campers are adults. Indian Trails continues to be the only fully accessible camp in Michigan, and one of a handful in the U.S.
Now fast forward about 30 years…
Indian Trails Camp recognized the need for year ‘round respite beyond the summer months, when campers came for a fun weekend and caregivers got much needed rest. Around 2010 we identified other service and program needs in west Michigan to further support the individuals we serve. Eventually these services grew to include: individual Community Living Support, group Community Living Support, Skill Building, and Supported Employment. Like camp, the majority of individuals that participate in these programs and services are adults.
Once these services became established, the Indian Trails Camp name didn’t accurately describe everything we had to offer. Camp leadership decided to create a “parent” brand to encompass the entire compliment of programming. IKUS Life Enrichment Services was born, using the word IKUS from the Indian Trails Camp song.
Scott Blakeney joined Indian Trails Camp/IKUS Life Enrichment Services as their Executive Director in October of 2018. Prior to ITC/IKUS he worked for the State of Michigan for 15 years, and spent 10 years in the for-profit world before being employed at the State. Scott joined the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids in 2019, and is excited to continue the longstanding tradition of serving people in west Michigan.

7.8.21 - Paula Jastifer
2021-07-08 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us as our new Club President, Paula Jastifer, shares her plan and direction for her Rotary year. Look for updates from our Community Engagement Committee and what you can do to guide future volunteer opportunities, along with learning about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and why DEI is important.

7.1.21 - No Luncheon - Break for 4th of July
2021-07-01 12:00 - 13:15 | MI

6.24.21 - Presidents Passing of the Tiller
2021-06-24 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
6.24.21

6.17.21 - Natalie Stewart
2021-06-17 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Natalie Stewart is the VP of Government and Public Affairs for Switch. She brings extensive experience in political and public relations, campaign and ethics compliance, public policy development, and advocacy to her work at Switch.
Natalie is part of the Strategy team that develops and implements the company’s public policy work in the areas including technology, energy policy, environmental and sustainability initiatives, education and economic development. Natalie also directs Switch’s Michigan-specific government affairs efforts and works closely on client development strategies.
Prior to joining Switch, Natalie’s distinguished career included leadership positions with two Speakers of the Michigan House of Representatives, the Office of Michigan Attorney General, and the Michigan Secretary of State. Natalie also worked in the United States Senate and as a federal lobbyist for the Associated Builders and Contractors in Washington, D.C.
A native Michigander, Natalie is active in the community and serves on the key committees of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Energy Advisory Committee-City of Grand Rapids, and MICHauto. Natalie has a B.A. from Boston College and Masters work in public policy through Michigan State University.

6.10.21 - John Truscott
2021-06-10 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
John is one of Michigan’s most recognized experts in public relations.
Whether developing a message, assembling a strategy, generating publicity or building relationships, nobody does it better. John has consistently been recognized for his expertise, knowledge and ability to get the job done and was named the most effective public affairs professional in the 2019 MIRS/EPIC- MRA survey of Capitol insiders.
He started his own public relations firm after serving as Director of Communications and Press Secretary to Michigan Gov. John Engler, eventually becoming the longest serving press secretary for any governor. Early in his career, John led communication strategy for multiple campaigns for statewide office.  He served as spokesman for the Bush/Cheney campaign in Michigan, was a member of the Bush/Cheney recount team in Florida and took part in the Bush/Cheney transition office.
In 2011, he merged his firm with the Rossman Group, creating Truscott Rossman, Michigan’s largest and most respected bi-partisan public relations firm.
He has served as a speaker and panelist for many media and government related conferences. He also chaired the Emergency Public Information Committee by appointment of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.  To promote democracy, John volunteered as a trainer on communications and media issues with members of Parliament in Ukraine.
Active in volunteer and philanthropic activities, John is also a community leader. He is currently Vice Chairman of the Michigan Capitol Commission.  He chairs the Development Committee of the Sparrow Hospital Foundation, serves on the Board of Directors of the Grand Rapids Economic Club and is an At Large Board Member of the Ottawa County Ground Water Board. He has served on the Michigan Community Service Commission, the Michigan State University International Alumni Association, and as Governing Board Chair of Ele’s Place for grieving children.
He is a proud Michigan State University alumnus, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication and a major in political science.

6.3.21 - Club 77 - Presidents Social
2021-06-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Habitat Kent Workspaces & Learning Center, 425 Pleasant St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for this multi-purpose event that includes our President’s Social, our June Club 77 networking event and our Membership’s Committee recruitment event
Jon Hankins, our 2020-2021 Rotary Club of Grand Rapids President, is hosting this fun in-person event, that celebrates his year as our Club president, during our monthly Club 77 networking event.
We are also encouraging our members to invite guests to this event, to get to know our Rotarians and to learn more about Rotary. If you don’t know a Rotarian, but would like to know more, you are also invited to attend.
Please note that reservations to attend this event will be needed by Friday, May 28th. To RSVP, simply reach out to the Rotary office via email a rotary@grrotary.org and provide your name and the name of any guest that will be attending with you.
We look forward to having you join us.

5.27.21 - No Luncheon - Memorial Day observance
2021-05-27 12:00 - 13:15 | MI
Taken from all about history…..
Memorial Day Meaning
Memorial Day Meaning – The History
Each May, the United States celebrates a day called Memorial Day. Does Memorial Day have meaning? What is the history of Memorial Day?
Memorial Day was first widely observed in May 1868. The celebration commemorated the sacrifices of the Civil War and the proclamation was made by General John A Logan. Following the proclamation, participants decorated graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers.
In years since World War 1, the day has become a celebration of honor for those who died in all America’s wars, as well as those who are Veterans and current members of the US military.
In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday. The United States celebrates this holiday the last Monday of May.
Memorial Day Meaning – Reagan’s Speech
President Ronald Reagan is credited with reviving the practice of honoring Memorial Day and its meaning. One of his famous speeches was given at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day in 1986.
“Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It’s a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It’s a day to be with the family and remember.
“I was thinking this morning that across the country children and their parents will be going to the town parade and the young ones will sit on the sidewalks and wave their flags as the band goes by. Later, maybe, they’ll have a cookout or a day at the beach. And that’s good, because today is a day to be with the family and to remember.
“Arlington, this place of so many memories, is a fitting place for some remembering. So many wonderful men and women rest here, men and women who led colorful, vivid, and passionate lives. There are the greats of the military: Bull Halsey and the Admirals Leahy, father and son; Black Jack Pershing; and the GI’s general, Omar Bradley. Great men all, military men. But there are others here known for other things.
“Here in Arlington rests a sharecropper’s son who became a hero to a lonely people. Joe Louis came from nowhere, but he knew how to fight. And he galvanized a nation in the days after Pearl Harbor when he put on the uniform of his country and said, ‘I know we’ll win because we’re on God’s side.’ Audie Murphy is here, Audie Murphy of the wild, wild courage. For what else would you call it when a man bounds to the top of a disabled tank, stops an enemy advance, saves lives, and rallies his men, and all of it single-handedly. When he radioed for artillery support and was asked how close the enemy was to his position, he said, ‘Wait a minute and I’ll let you speak to them.’ [Laughter]
“Michael Smith is here, and Dick Scobee, both of the space shuttle Challenger. Their courage wasn’t wild, but thoughtful, the mature and measured courage of career professionals who took prudent risks for great reward—in their case, to advance the sum total of knowledge in the world. They’re only the latest to rest here; they join other great explorers with names like Grissom and Chaffee.
“Oliver Wendell Holmes is here, the great jurist and fighter for the right. A poet searching for an image of true majesty could not rest until he seized on ‘Holmes dissenting in a sordid age.’ Young Holmes served in the Civil War. He might have been thinking of the crosses and stars of Arlington when he wrote: ‘At the grave of a hero we end, not with sorrow at the inevitable loss, but with the contagion of his courage; and with a kind of desperate joy we go back to the fight.’
“All of these men were different, but they shared this in common: They loved America very much. There was nothing they wouldn’t do for her. And they loved with the sureness of the young. It’s hard not to think of the young in a place like this, for it’s the young who do the fighting and dying when a peace fails and a war begins. Not far from here is the statue of the three servicemen—the three fighting boys of Vietnam. It, too, has majesty and more. Perhaps you’ve seen it—three rough boys walking together, looking ahead with a steady gaze. There’s something wounded about them, a kind of resigned toughness. But there’s an unexpected tenderness, too. At first you don’t really notice, but then you see it. The three are touching each other, as if they’re supporting each other, helping each other on.
“I know that many veterans of Vietnam will gather today, some of them perhaps by the wall. And they’re still helping each other on. They were quite a group, the boys of Vietnam—boys who fought a terrible and vicious war without enough support from home, boys who were dodging bullets while we debated the efficacy of the battle. It was often our poor who fought in that war; it was the unpampered boys of the working class who picked up the rifles and went on the march. They learned not to rely on us; they learned to rely on each other. And they were special in another way: They chose to be faithful. They chose to reject the fashionable skepticism of their time. They chose to believe and answer the call of duty. They had the wild, wild courage of youth. They seized certainty from the heart of an ambivalent age; they stood for something.
“And we owe them something, those boys. We owe them first a promise: That just as they did not forget their missing comrades, neither, ever, will we. And there are other promises. We must always remember that peace is a fragile thing that needs constant vigilance. We owe them a promise to look at the world with a steady gaze and, perhaps, a resigned toughness, knowing that we have adversaries in the world and challenges and the only way to meet them and maintain the peace is by staying strong.
“That, of course, is the lesson of this century, a lesson learned in the Sudetenland, in Poland, in Hungary, in Czechoslovakia, in Cambodia. If we really care about peace, we must stay strong. If we really care about peace, we must, through our strength, demonstrate our unwillingness to accept an ending of the peace. We must be strong enough to create peace where it does not exist and strong enough to protect it where it does. That’s the lesson of this century and, I think, of this day. And that’s all I wanted to say. The rest of my contribution is to leave this great place to its peace, a peace it has earned.
“Thank all of you, and God bless you, and have a day full of memories.”
Memorial Day Meaning – A Day of Honor
Does Memorial Day have meaning to you? Many communities around the United States have memorial day events at cemeteries where veterans and spiritual leaders speak. Other cities and towns host parades to honor the military. However, in many cities around the country, these events have been forgotten.
It is important for Americans to take time to remember the sacrifices that bought their freedom. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate this important American holiday:

Send a note of thanks to Veterans you know.
If you know someone who has lost a loved one in battle, offer to help with a household project or help meet a special need they have.
Visit a local cemetery and place flags or flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers.
Fly the American flag at half-staff until noon.
Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 pm. Pause and think upon the meaning of Memorial Day.

5.20.21 - Tim Liang
2021-05-20 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Tim Liang is a managing director at AlphaMax Advisors. AlphaMax is a management consultancy that specializes in helping American companies achieve financial success in China. The majority of AlphaMax’s clients are private manufacturing companies with annual revenues of $750 million or less. The firm was founded in 2003 by fellow Rotarian Ping Liang. Ping and Tim work closely with clients to develop and execute China business strategies, including domestic China sales, US export sales, joint
ventures, wholly owned operations, and sourcing. They are frequently engaged to improve the management and operations of client-owned companies in China.
Prior to joining AlphaMax, Tim was senior vice president at Grand Haven-based JSJ Corporation. He has also worked at Cummins and McKinsey & Co.. Tim has 40 years of China business experience.
Tim serves on the boards of three companies and on the boards of Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Symphony. Tim is president of the Yale Club of Western Michigan.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and graduate degrees from Yale University.

5.13.21 - Charities Foundation Announcement & Committee Updates
2021-05-13 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Be the first to learn about a special announcement from Derek Aten, from our Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation.
We will also be featuring news and updates from the following committees

DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committee featuring Eunice Lopez-Martin and Katherine Roye
World Community Service Committee featuring Sheri Fazleabas
Rotary International Foundation Committee featuring Jim Gilbert

We hope that you will join us for this exciting announcement and informative meeting.

5.6.21 - Jocelyn Benson
2021-05-06 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State. In this role she is focused on ensuring elections are secure and accessible, and dramatically improving customer experiences for all who interact with our offices.
Benson is the author of State Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process, the first major book on the role of the secretary of state in enforcing election and campaign finance laws. She is also the Chair of Michigan’s Task Force on Women in Sports, created by Governor Whitmer in 2019 to advance opportunities for women in Michigan as athletes and sports leaders.
A graduate of Harvard Law School and expert on civil rights law, education law and election law, Benson served as dean of Wayne State University Law School in Detroit. When she was appointed dean at age 36, she became the youngest woman in U.S. history to lead a top-100, accredited law school. She continues to serve as vice chair of the advisory board for the Levin Center at Wayne Law, which she founded with former U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. Previously, Benson was an associate professor and associate director of Wayne Law’s Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights.
Prior to her election, she served as CEO of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a national nonprofit organization using the unifying power of sports to improve race relations.
Benson is co-founder and former president of Military Spouses of Michigan, a network dedicated to providing support and services to military spouses and their children.
In 2015, she became one of the youngest women in history to be inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

4.29.21 - Kyle Caldwell
2021-04-29 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Here’s what I can help you with:

Michigan philanthropy (volunteers, nonprofits, donors, grantmakers) has been my vocational home for more than 25 years. I started out as a public grantmaker and have led every nonprofit sector infrastructure organization in Michigan. With that background I can help in several areas including public/private partnerships, service and volunteerism, effective grantmaking, and public policy.
Leadership roles:
Kyle has served on a number of national boards, including Points of Light, Independent Sector, Nonprofit Votes and the National Council of Nonprofits. At the state level, he was a board member of the Michigan Community Service Commission, Michigan Association of United Ways, and Michigan Community Resources.
Kyle is a strong believer in community philanthropy and currently serves on the boards of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Kids’ Food Basket.

Kyle Caldwell began his tenure as president and CEO of CMF on November 1, 2018, bringing more than 25 years of government, and nonprofit and philanthropic sector experience. He has also been a supporter of CMF as a volunteer for many years and was formerly a member and co-chair of CMF’s Government Relations Public Policy Committee.
Prior to his appointment with CMF, Kyle, a Michigan native, was executive director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University, one of the country’s leading academic centers for philanthropy.
He previously served as an intern, and then later as executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission in the Engler and Granholm administrations. A champion of public/private partnerships, Kyle helped launch and then lead the ConnectMichigan Alliance (CMA) that created a $20 million endowment to support volunteerism that engaged both state government and philanthropy in a one-of-a-kind statewide campaign. CMA merged with the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) and Kyle became its president and CEO. There, he championed the work of nonprofits and foundations to help build a stronger ecosystem for philanthropy.
Throughout his work in government and in foundations, Kyle has helped develop strategies and programming initiatives that strengthen the work of public and private grantmakers. Most recently, he led the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University. Prior that, he served as the director for the Pathways to Opportunity Program at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation where he helped evolve the Foundation’s approach to addressing poverty to focus on education.
He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communication from Western Michigan University. Both WMU and Lansing Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in photojournalism, have bestowed Kyle with exemplary alumni awards.

4.22.21 - STRIVE Program featuring Joseph Metts
2021-04-22 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
This luncheon is to recognize the students and mentors that have or are participating in our STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education).
Please join us as we congratulate these students for their commitment to the program, some for one year and others for two years.

Joseph Metts, the assistant principal at Ottawa Hills High School will be today’s featured speaker.
Joseph has been a proud member of the Ottawa Hills High School community since 2012. He enjoyed teaching both history and physical education, and in 2018 he transitioned to administration. He has served as the assistant principal since 2019 and always looks forward to working on behalf of the students at Ottawa Hills High School.

Stephanie Davis-Johnson, Principal
Stephanie Davis-Johnson, an alumna of the Grand Rapids Public Schools, Ottawa Hills graduating class of 1991, has worked within the district for 20+ years. My illustrious journey started as an Earth/Physical Science and OHHS Ninth Grade Academy teacher and spans multiple career advancements culminating my current role serving as the Ottawa Hills High School principal.
I believe all children can learn, even if it’s at a different pace, provided structure, the opportunity, with demonstrated consistent effort and encouragement.
Over the years, I have been blessed to help create opportunities, by challenging students to bridge formal classroom instruction to real life experiences, expanding their knowledge and broadening their horizon and possibilities. This work could not be done without other devoted staff, retired educators, dedicated mentor and volunteer.
STRIVE is such a valuable part of the Ottawa Hills High School Community and the Grand Rapids Public Schools organization. Your dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated!
I will always be a champion for all students! We must always be champions for all students!
“Every child deserves a champion”- Rita Pierson
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STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education)
STRIVE is a motivational mentoring program working with high school junior and senior students who want to improve their educational status and expand their networks.
The mission of the STRIVE Program is to mentor high school students to achieve academic success, graduate from high school and continue their education in college, university, trade, technical or career school.
In pursuit of this mission, the STRIVE program provides positive role models for students to promote self discovery, the importance of High School Graduation, development of good values and life skills, and individual responsibility in STRIVING for excellence in life.
STRIVE is a partnership among students trying to make a difference in their lives, parents who are willing to support and encourage their students, high school administrators, faculty and counselors, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Attitude – Student must maintain appropriate conduct and a positive attitude.
Altruism – students must actively participate in two of the three volunteer activities called “STRIVE Days”.
Attendance – students need to maintain 90% attendance level (equals two excused absences).
Academics – Satisfy GPA requirements

How the Program Works:
High school administrators, and counselors select students they believe can succeed in the STRIVE program. A staff member is selected to help the STRIVE Chairs collect necessary information about the students during the year. Selected students sign a contract to participate. Parents sign an agreement that they will help and encourage the student. Parents also agree to attend the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids awards luncheon held in April. Rotary and community mentors host regular weekly meetings to increase student’s self-esteem, motivation and confidence.
REWARDS
Upon successful completion of the STRIVE requirements, the student will be entitled to the following:

Award Certificate – presented to the student at the April awards luncheon
Summer Work Premium – the student is eligible to be paid a $1.50 per hour, for hours worked from June 1-August 31, upon verification of employment, up to a maximum $750
Scholarship – A scholarship of up to $3,000** can be earned and will be disbursed over 2 semesters to a college, university, trade, technical or career school of the students choice

4.20.21 - Service Above Self Award Celebration
2021-04-20 09:00 - 10:00 | MI
The 2021 Service Above Self Award Celebration will take place virtually on Tuesday, April 20 from 9:00-10:00am.
Marge Wilson, the owner of Marge’s Donut Den in Wyoming, is an entrepreneur, community advocate and mentor. She is well-known for her sensitive and compassionate nature for those less fortunate. Marge Wilson’s mission is to put others first and make people happy. As her business grew, she expanded her shop to accommodate private gatherings, and space for local groups, organizations and clubs to meet. She has always been a hands-on giver to the community in addition to her philanthropic efforts.
Marge attended Davenport College and subsequently went on to work at in the Banking industry in California, Chicago and Grand Rapids for the next 20 years. She established her company, Marge’s Donut Den in 1975 and was the first woman chosen to be on the national board of the Retail Bakers Association. She served for many years as the Michigan Regional Director. Throughout the years she has collected an impressive number of awards, certificates and recognitions for her community service work and business expertise. These tokens of recognition span an entire wall in the back of Marge’s Donut Den reflect her love for the Grand Rapids community.
Some of Marge’s notable achievements are the establishment of the Samuel Omogo Foundation, a project designed to foster the responsible development of clean water sources for villages in southeastern Nigeria by building and maintaining new water wells. She received the Inaugural Marge Wilson Community Service Leadership award from AMBUCS, and Distinguished Service Award from the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce for her service to others and the community. Marge has always been immersed in multiple community efforts with cultural, arts, and charity organizations.

If you would like to support and honor Marge Wilson, please become a sponsor.
If you would like attend this virtual event honoring Marge on Tuesday, April 20th from 9:00-10:00am, you can purchase tickets by clicking on: Eventbrite
A special thank you to our Event Sponsor

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Press Release – March 30, 2021
ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND RAPIDS PRESENTS ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award honors community spirit of Marge Wilson
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Marge Wilson has been chosen to receive the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award, given by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids. The award is presented in recognition of Frederik Meijer’s philanthropic acts of selfless service to our community, which left a lasting impact on the lives of others.
“We are pleased and excited to honor Marge Wilson as the 2021 Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winner for her contributions to our community. Her generous and gracious spirit embodies the true meaning of this award,” said Hank Meijer, Fred Meijer’s son and Executive Chairman of Meijer, Inc.
Marge is an entrepreneur, community advocate and mentor. She is well-known for her sensitive and compassionate nature. She established Marge’s Donuts in 1975 and as her business grew, she expanded the shop to accommodate private gatherings and space for local organizations and clubs to meet. Marge was the first woman chosen to be on the national board of the Retail Bakers Association and served for many years as the Michigan Regional Director.
Throughout the years Marge has collected an impressive number of awards and recognitions for her community service and business expertise. These tokens of recognition span an entire wall in the back of the bakery along with a timeline for her involvement in the community she loves so dearly.
“I am honored to receive an award that bears the name of Fred Meijer. I firmly believe that you should do all you can for others when you can and while you can, not expecting anything in return. I receive many blessings for giving back and I am humbled by this recognition which is truly an honor to me,” said Marge.
Some of Marge’s notable achievements are the establishment of the Samuel Omogo Foundation, a project designed to foster the responsible development of clean water sources for villages in southeastern Nigeria. She received the Inaugural Marge Wilson Community Service Leadership Award from AMBUCS and Distinguished Service Award from the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce.
Previous Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award honorees include Jackie Taylor PhD, Shelley Irwin, Rick DeVos, John and Nancy Kennedy and the late Luis Tomatis, MD.
Dr. Jackie Taylor
Shelley Irwin
Rick DeVos
Dr. Luis Tomatis
John and Nancy Kennedy

“The opportunity to humbly present this annual award to Marge is tri-fold in nature: it recognizes a local philanthropist leader that mirrors the impact Frederick Meijer had and continues to make on this community, while demonstrating the values and mission of Rotary,” said Jon Hankins, president of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids will honor Marge at the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Celebration on Tuesday, April 20 from 9-10 a.m. The virtual celebration will be hosted live from Marge’s Donut Den. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation. The Foundation exists to support the needs of individuals, non-profit projects and/or programs aligned with its primary focus areas of health, education and youth programs. The community is invited to attend. Tickets are on sale at grrotary.org or by calling 616.429.5640.
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4.15.21 - Andy Johnston
2021-04-15 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Andy Johnston serves as Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber and is responsible for managing the Chamber’s public policy efforts on behalf of over 2,800 members to create a vibrant business environment and thriving economy that benefits everyone.
His responsibilities include developing and implementing priorities and strategies for issue committees and councils to advance Chamber priorities in the areas of tax, regulatory, education, environment, transportation, health and human resources policy as well as budgetary reform at the local and state level.
Andy serves as a member of the Chamber’s Executive Leadership Team, responsible for strategic planning and execution, organizational development, day-to-day decision making, marketing and communications.
He is involved in numerous community board and committees including the West Michigan Prosperity Alliance, US Chamber of Commerce Institute on Management, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Great Lakes Metro Chamber Coalition, Kent County’s Community Health Advisory Committee, the City of Grand Rapids’ Vital Streets Commission and more. He has been named a 40 under 40 recipient by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Grand Rapids Business Journal.
Andy is native of Grand Rapids and an alumnus of James Madison College at Michigan State University. He formerly served as Director of Legislative Affairs for Chamber and legislative aide for State Senator Jason Allen.

4.8.21 - Spring Break - No Luncheon
2021-04-08 12:00 - 13:15 | MI
A time to Relax, Refresh and Renew.
A time to say good-bye to the dark grey of winter
A time to say hello to sunshine and new growth

4.1.21 - Club 77 - true. Women's Health hosted by Dr. Diana Bitner
2021-04-01 16:00 - 17:30 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Please join us for a fun and information filled Club 77!
Invite your friends, co-workers, prospect members and especially those interested in learning more about women’s health.
The Club 77 will take place via ZOOM beginning at 4:00pm. The ZOOM link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86348160639?pwd=[REDACTED]
Please contact the Rotary officer at rotary@grrotary.org or 616-459-5640 for the passcode for this meeting.
Goodie Bags will be provided to our Rotarians that reserve one to pick them up on Tuesday, March 30th, from 4-5:30pm. Rotarians need to contact the Rotary office by 3pm on Friday, March 26th to reserve a goodie bag.

3.25.21 - David Morgan, Ph.D.
2021-03-25 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
David Morgan is MSU Foundation Professor of Translational Neuroscience at Michigan State University and Director of the Alzheimer’s Alliance in the College of Human Medicine.
He received his PhD from Northwestern University and started his independent career at the University of Southern California.
In 1992 he moved to the University of South Florida and was CEO of the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute until 2017 when he relocated to Grand Rapids.
Dr. Morgan’s laboratory research investigates immunotherapy, gene therapy and small molecule drugs in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.

3.11.21 - Dr. David Pilgrim
2021-03-11 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Please join us for a special presentation from Dr. David Pilgrim as he tells us about the Jim Crow Museum that he founded and curates, then takes us on a virtual tour via ZOOM.
Dr. David Pilgrim is a public speaker and one of this country’s leading experts on issues relating to multiculturalism, diversity, and race relations. He has been interviewed by National Public Radio, Time magazine, the British Broadcasting Corporation, and dozens of newspapers, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, and the Los Angeles Times. He is best known as the founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum-a 12,000 piece collection of racist artifacts located at Ferris State University. The museum uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice.
Pilgrim is the author of several books, including Understanding Jim Crow (PM Press, 2015), and Watermelons, Nooses, and Straight Razors (PM Press, 2017). His writings, many found on the museum’s web site (ferris.edu/jimcrow), are used by scholars, students, and civil rights workers to better understand historical and contemporary expressions of racism. The web site has been linked to hundreds of sites and has resulted in Pilgrim being invited to deliver public lectures at dozens of institutions, including Stanford University, Spring Arbor College, the University of Michigan, Smith College, and the University of North Carolina.
Pilgrim is an applied sociologist with a doctorate from The Ohio State University. He believes that racism can be objectively studied and creatively assailed. In 2004, he produced, with Clayton Rye, the documentary Jim Crow’s Museum to explain his approach to battling racism. The film won several awards including Best Documentary at the 2004 Flint Film Festival. Marc Haefele, a film critic at the Los Angeles Daily News called the documentary, a “grisly low-key masterpiece.” Jim Crow’s Museum is shown nationally on affiliates of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Pilgrim and Carrie Weis created two traveling exhibitions to take the Jim Crow Museum’s lessons to a national audience. Hateful Things is a 39-unit traveling exhibition of objects found in the Jim Crow Museum. The objects are accompanied by didactic panels that place the images in the proper historical context–offering insight into their past and present popularity–and effects. Hateful Things has traveled to many institutions, including Aquinas College, Delta College, Utah Valley State College, and the Black Holocaust Museum. Pilgrim and Weis, in 2005, created a second traveling exhibition, Them: Images of Separation, a 35-unit exhibition that deals with the stereotyping of women, poor Whites, gays, Jewish Americans, Native Americans, Mexican Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans-and others. Pilgrim believes that Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was right when he said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Diversity is more than a black-white issue; more, indeed, than a racial issue.
In 2006, Pilgrim served as a consultant to Will Smith (directorial debut) for the UPN television show, All Of Us. Mr. Smith wanted to make sure that the episode-called “The N-Word”-dealt with issues of race and racism in a non-stereotypical fashion.
Pilgrim challenges audiences to think deeply about diversity and race relations. He is a Ferris State University Distinguished Teacher. Pilgrim has spent his adult life using objects of intolerance to teach tolerance. It works. His goal is to get people talking about diversity and race relations in meaningful ways-and, then, to go and do something positive.
