Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

12.13.18 - Baird Hawkins
2018-12-13 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Baird is the founder of Interfuse Capital LLC, a private investment company that identifies and funds opportunistic and distressed commercial real estate throughout the U.S. Baird also acts as a consultant to CRE investors, developers, and family offices.
Interfuse Capital LLC is a leader in alternative investment strategies, capital raises, private equity and structured capital for commercial real estate investment.
Locally in association with Guy Bazzani, Baird has focused on neighborhood re-development projects to reposition older commercial buildings with new investment. This urban revitalization strategy enables investors to improve returns while building sustainable communities.
In this capacity, he co-developed the Kingsley Building project in Eastown. He also secured historic building status for the Kingsley Building (originally the Grand Rapids Storage & Van Co.) with its addition to the National Register of Historic Places.
Education

B.Ph. – Thomas Jefferson College at Grand Valley State Colleges
Licensed Michigan Real Estate Agent
Licensed Michigan General Contractor

Current Leadership Positions

Festival of the Arts Board of Directors

Select Honors and Awards

NBA – John H. Logie Award

12.6.18 - Club 77 @ Sytsma Wealth Strategies - RSVP by Nov. 29th
2018-12-06 16:00 - 17:30 | Sytsma Wealth Strategies, 922 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States

11.29.18 - Dr. Joseph Stowell III
2018-11-29 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
An internationally recognized conference speaker, Joe has written numerous devotionals for Our Daily Bread and several books including The Trouble with Jesus, Simply Jesus and You, and Redefining Leadership: Character-Driven Habits of Effective Leaders.
Joe has a distinguished career in higher education and church leadership. He served as senior pastor of Southgate Baptist Church (Southgate OH, 1970-76), Bible Baptist Church (Kokomo IN, 1976-81), and Highland Park Baptist Church (Southfield MI, 1981-87). From
1987-2005, he served as President of Moody Bible Institute, with oversight over the Undergraduate and Graduate Schools, Moody Publishers, and the Moody Broadcasting Network. Following his time at MBI, he served as a teaching pastor at a church in suburban
Chicago prior to assuming the presidency at Cornerstone in early 2008.
Joe has also served on several boards including the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Wheaton College. He is a graduate of Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary and was honored with a doctor of divinity degree from The Master’s College in
1987 and from Huntington University in 2011. He and his wife Martie are the parents of three adult children and ten grandchildren.

11.22.18 - Thanksgiving Day - No Luncheon
2018-11-22 12:00 - 13:15 | MI

11.15.18 - Brian Robertson
2018-11-15 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Born on the west coast of Ireland and after speeding five years at college in Dublin I immigrated to Canada in 1964.
I began working in the tire business in 1965 and worked for two major tire corporations until I purchased my own business in Sault Ste Marie in 1983. Over the next thirty years along with my business partner we evolved into eight major locations across Northern Ontario. Specialising in mining tires, particularly underground mines, we became one of Canada’s largest independent commercial dealers. The business was sold in 2012 and I am currently co-owner of a Micro-Brewery.
Married to Leona for over forty-six years we have two children.
I joined Rotary in 1985 and immediately became involved in Student Exchange. During the next nine years I served as YEO and along with Leona served on the District Committee. I was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by the club in 1989 for my work with Youth Exchange
As a member of a very active community minded club I served on many different committees and became president in 1993. The Rotary Club of Sault Ste Marie generates between six hundred and seven hundred thousand dollars annually to support the club mandate of “Disabled Youth”.
I now look forward to becoming involved in the District and learning from other clubs the many diverse projects that enhance Rotary

11.8.18 - Peter Varga
2018-11-08 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Peter Varga is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emeritus of the Interurban Transit Partnership, known as The Rapid, an urban transit system with an operating budget of $43.9 million and an annual capital program that is currently $49.8 million.
Peter currently serves on the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Board and served as its past Chair in 2013-2014. He served for 11 years on the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and was its Chair for two years in 2008 and 2009. He is also is a member of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Corporate Board. In addition, Peter served for six years as a Commissioner for City of Grand Rapids Mobile GR/Grand Rapids Parking Commission and has served on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Public Transit Association and was its president five times. Peter was appointed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to the Transportation Funding Task Force in 2008.
Peter was born in the highlands of Ethiopia and moved to New York City when he was thirteen years old. He graduated from New York University in 1970 with a B.A. in History and Anthropology, and with an M.A. in Political Science from NYU in 1972. He also completed Masters’ level post graduate studies in Public Administration at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA).
Peter’s early transportation experience was as a New York City cab driver while attending New York University. He has worked in transit in several capacities since 1980 at Santa Cruz Metro, Santa Cruz, California, Muskegon Area Transit System, Muskegon, Michigan, and has served since 1997 as the CEO of The Rapid in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
He lives in the Grand Rapids area in Michigan with his wife Susan. He has four adult daughters named Cecilia, Allison, Caitlin and Rica. He is the proud grandfather of Elizabeth, Leo, Cohen, Miles, Finn, Emma, Aria and Charlie.

11.1.18 - Club 77 @ BBB of West Mich - RSVP by Oct. 26th
2018-11-01 16:00 - 17:30 | Better Business Bureau, 3330 Claystone St SE, Grand Rapids, 49546, United States
Club 77 in the PM, a time for networking and socializing, while getting to know more about Rotary and our Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Members.
Please feel free to invite your significant other, friends, co-workers and prospective members for a fun evening enjoying food, beverages and friendship.

10.25.18 - Monique Hampton - RSVP needed
2018-10-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Gerald R Ford Job Corps Center, 110 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, 49507, United States
Monique Hampton became the Center Director of the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center on September 1, 2018.
Ms. Hampton began her career with Job Corps in 2008, when she accepted the position of Executive Assistant to the Center Director at the Detroit Job Corps Center, in Detroit, Michigan. The position of Executive Assistant laid the foundation for her to gain an in-depth understanding of the Job Corps Program. As Executive Assistant she wore multiple hats and often found herself working in several roles, including SGA/Leadership Coordinator, the Purchasing Coordinator, and the Business and Community Liaison. While at the Detroit Job Corps Center, she also served as the Office Administration Instructor. In the Office Administration Instructor position, she successfully took the trade, which was low performing and escalated it to a top performing trade within 6 months. After demonstrating an ability to work hard and the ability to learn quickly, Ms. Hampton was promoted to Career Preparation Period (CPP) Manager at the Westover Job Corps Center, located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. As the CPP Manager, she was responsible for organizing and coordinating services for students during their first 60 days of enrollment in the program. After excelling in that position, she was promoted to the Records/Outreach and Admissions (OA)/Career Transition Services (CTS) Manager where she oversaw the Records Department and an OA contract and a CTS Contract. Within one year of being in this role, the OA contract moved from a ranking of #66 in the country to #2 in the country, and the CTS Contract moved from #38 in the country to #4 in the country.
Ms. Hampton joined Human Learning Systems in 2013, where in addition to Center Director at the Gerald R. Ford Center, she has held various positons, including Career Technical Training Manager, Training Director, and Corporate Manager for Compliance and Performance, where she assisted with the improvement of the center’s ranking at Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center, as well as the CTS ranking at Fred G. Acosta and the Phoenix Job Corps Center.
Ms. Hampton, a former Grand Rapids Public School graduate, received her education from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Leadership and Counseling, with a certificate in Community College Leadership. She also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics, from Grand Valley State University, in Allendale, Michigan.
Ms. Hampton has enjoyed her 10-year tenure with Job Corps, a U.S. Government funded program overseen by the Department of Labor, which provides academic and career technical training to young adults 16 – 24. Her objective is to utilize her leadership skills to achieve company goals, while maintaining a standard of high quality and integrity. She attributes her great success to knowing that Job Corps is part of her God-given purpose in life.

10.18.18 - Rick Albin
2018-10-18 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Rick Albin is the political and government reporter for WOOD TV 8 in Grand Rapids.
Rick has covered politics in five states and Presidential electiond since 1976.
He has interviewed every person to hold the office of President from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama.
He is frequently in Lansing and Washington keeping up with state and federal legislators.
Over his more than 20 years with WOOD TV he has also negotiated and hosted a number of debates for various offices including four for governor this year, three in the primary and one just last Friday night for the general election.
Rick, his wife Dee and his two young sons live in Ada along with their Golden Retriever, Dixie.

10.11.18 - Aaron Gach
2018-10-11 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Aaron joined the Boy Scouts of America’s professional staff in 2005 in the Gerald R. Ford Council of the Boy Scouts of America based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served as a District, then Senior District Executive before becoming Program Director, Field Director, then Assistant Scout Executive/COO. Aaron moved to the newly forming Pathway to Adventure Council in Chicago, IL in 2015 as its Director of Outdoor Adventure and Program Impact, later serving as its Director of Support Services and Chief Financial Officer.
In 2018 Aaron re-joined the Michigan Crossroads Councils’ President Ford Field Service Council as its Scout Executive and CEO. The President Ford Field Service Council serves over 10,000 Scouts in the 30 western and northern counties of Michigan’s’ lower peninsula.
As an Eagle Scout, Venturing Silver Award recipient, and Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor member, Aaron knows first hand the value of the Scouting program, and its implications over a lifetime for its members. He has been recognized by Scouting with numerous service, leadership, and training awards, including the National Catholic Committee on Scouting’s St. George Award. He has instructed at numerous Scouting conferences and trainings, and is a past camp staff member and camp director.
Aaron earned a Masters in Business Administration, Cum Laude, from Grand Valley State University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Marketing from Western Michigan University. Aaron has served on numerous community volunteer committees, but most important to him are his involvement with veteran support initiatives, mentoring young people in business, and service in his church.
Aaron enjoys numerous outdoor pursuits and travel, but his biggest recreational passions are boating, hunting, climbing and mountaineering. Aaron resides in Rockford, MI with his wife Therese, and their two children, Aiden and Mila.

10.4.18 - "Rotary in the PM" @ IRIS - Please RSVP
2018-10-04 16:00 - 17:15 | IRIS Boutique, 949 Cherry St SE, MI, 49506, United States
Iris Boutique
Welcome to Iris Boutique!
Iris is a new retail concept brought to you by long-time personal stylist, Cathy Starnes, owner of wardrobe consulting firm, Style Speaks. Iris is a women’s accessory boutique catering to the sophisticated woman looking for unique accessories from delicate everyday pieces to statement-making stunners.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Michelle Krick, personal stylist at Michelle Krick Style, will be joining Iris Boutique on October 4th. As we’re expecting a large crowd, Michelle will be joining owner Cathy Starnes to assist with personal styling and personal shopping. Be sure to stop by for expert advice from these two on both personal styling and gift shopping!

A Letter from Owner, Cathy Starnes:
After over a decade of helping women manage their wardrobes, I have found accessories to be the biggest mystery for many women and the aspect of dressing that makes the biggest impact. Iris will offer a place for women to learn more about accessorizing through personal styling and a resource to find just-the-right pieces to add that finishing touch to your favorite looks and everyday style. At Iris, you’ll find shoes, handbags, jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, hats and more to complete all your looks from the beach to the boardroom.
Three years ago when my husband started talking about the idea of moving to Michigan after eleven years of living in Washington, DC, this native Austin, Texas gal was a bit hesitant, to say the least. After dragging me along on his interview, insisting I needed to see the town of Grand Rapids if we were to make an informed decision, our life trajectory set out in a direction I never could have expected. On our first visit to Grand Rapids, we knew this town was something special, there’s an energy here that’s hard to describe, some of the kindest people we’ve ever met and a sense of community that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. I immediately knew this was where I would open my retail shop and it was the promise of the fulfillment of that dream that convinced me to move our family, across the country, to Grand Rapids.
On our second visit to Grand Rapids, I discovered the East Hills neighborhood on Cherry Street and it stole my heart. I’m thrilled to join the collection of unique local shops and eateries lining this historic street.
My life’s work and passion is helping women build confidence through the expression of their unique personal style. Iris will offer personal styling services to help women perfectly accessorize their favorite outfits, find their signature everyday accessories and shop for gifts.
I’m also passionate about building community among women and look forward to hosting events and offering workshops for our community of women on topics including how to use accessories to create a pulled together look, what to do with all those scarves and how to build a versatile shoe and handbag wardrobe.
I can’t wait to see you in the shop soon!
Cathy

9.27.18 - Pat Cwayna - RSVP needed
2018-09-27 12:00 - 13:15 | West Michigan Aviation Academy, 5363 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, 49512, United States
Patrick J. Cwayna, Sr., is the founding CEO of West Michigan Aviation Academy.
His leadership has been key in implementing the vision of the school and his leadership influences all facets of the school operation. Prior to his time at WMAA, Pat was Chief Liaison for Presidential Affairs and then Vice President for College Relations at Grand Rapids Community college and served as a leadership coach for the Kent Intermediate School District. He spent over 20 years as principal at East Grand Rapids High School and served in administrative roles at Brighton, East Kentwood, and Rockford High Schools.

9.20.18 - Cindy Brown
2018-09-20 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Cindy Brown, Executive Director, Hello West Michigan & Vice President of Talent Initiatives, The Right Place, Inc.
Cindy Brown serves as the Executive Director for Hello West Michigan, a talent attraction and retention initiative promoting West Michigan as a great place to live and work. The organization, which helps member companies increase their rate of success in recruiting top talent, is the only organization of its kind in the country. Under Cindy’s leadership, Hello West Michigan has grown its membership, programming, and regional awareness, helping establish West Michigan as a destination for top talent.
Through Hello West Michigan’s strategic partnership with The Right Place, Cindy also serves as the Vice President of Talent Initiatives and collaborates with other talent related organizations to address regional talent pipeline challenges.
Prior to this, Cindy served as Project Manager for the West Michigan Internship Initiative and had a lengthy career as the Human Resources Manager at Enterprise Rent-A-Car Greater Michigan. She has over 20 years of leadership experience in recruiting, employee development, training, and facilitation. She excels at attracting talent, generating awareness, and connecting individuals to resources. Her honors include the Michigan College Educator and Employer Alliance Don Hunt Service Award (2011) and the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Connector Award (2017).
Cindy’s work in the community extends beyond Hello West Michigan. She is currently serves on the following boards

Vice Chair of the West Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board
Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids Board of Directors
Aquinas College Career Services Advisory Board
Vice President Pulaski Days Board
West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies Advisory Board
Past-President for the Michigan Career Educator & Employer Alliance

Cindy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Aquinas College. Her favorite part about living in West Michigan is Lake Michigan—the sunsets, beaches, and lake effect snow.

9.13.18 - David Van Andel & Dr. Peter Jones - RSVP required
2018-09-13 12:00 - 13:15 | Van Andel Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Attendance for this luncheon is limited to Rotary Club of Grand Rapids members and their guests.
Rotary Club of Grand Rapids members that plan on attending must RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 6th.
PLEASE NOTE: Only those appearing on the RSVP list will be admitted on Sept. 13th.
David Van Andel is Chairman and CEO of Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also an entrepreneur involved in several other business interests in the natural and life science products industries.
The son of Jay Van Andel, founder of Van Andel Institute and co-founder of Amway Corporation, he is currently a member of Amway’s Board of Directors and serves on its Executive, Governance and Audit committees. Prior to leading Van Andel Institute, he had been in various positions at Amway since 1977 including chief operating officer of Amway’s Pyxis Innovations Business Unit, and was senior vice president–Americas and Europe, overseeing Amway business activities in North America and 22 European and 11 Latin American affiliates.
Van Andel played a prominent role in bringing professional hockey back to Grand Rapids in 1996. He is co-owner and chairman of the Grand Rapids Griffins, an American Hockey League team.
He is active in numerous business, cultural and community organizations including The Right Place Program, the Hope College Board of Trustees and The Economic Club of Grand Rapids.
Van Andel was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, is married and has four children.
Dr. Jones was born in Cape Town, raised and attended college in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and received his Ph.D. from the University of London. He joined the University of Southern California in 1977 and served as Director of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center between 1993 and 2011. He is
currently the Chief Scientific Officer of Van Andel ResearchInstitute (VARI) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His laboratory discovered the effects of 5-azacytidine on cytosine methylation and he first established the link between DNA methylation,
gene expression and differentiation. He pioneered the field of epigenetics, particularly its role in cancer, and helped develop novel therapies for cancer. Dr. Jones is a past president of the American Association for Cancer Research, a Fellow of the AACR Academy, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and was recently elected to the National Academy of Sciences. He has published more than 300 scientific papers and received several honors, including the Outstanding
Investigator Grant from the National CancerInstitute. He and his colleague Dr. Stephen Baylin shared the Kirk A. Landon Award for Basic Cancer Research from the AACR in 2009 and the Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society in 2011.

9.6.18 - "Rotary in the PM" @ Kitchen 67
2018-09-06 16:00 - 17:30 | Kitchen 67, 1977 E. Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States
Join us for networking, appetizers and drinks at the fabulous Kitchen 67.
You are encouraged to bring your friends, co-workers, clients and spouses to this fun event.

8.30.18 - Labor Day Observance - No Luncheon
2018-08-30 12:00 - 13:15 | MI

8.23.18 Chelsea Dubey
2018-08-23 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
President Dubey will share an update with and about our Club.

8.16.18 "Know Me Better"
2018-08-16 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Today’s meeting is going to focus on our Members!
It will be a fun interactive luncheon designed to help you get to know your fellow Club members.

8.9.18 - David G. Morgan. Ph.D.
2018-08-09 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Topic Summary:
Recent advances in understanding the causes of Alzheimer’s are leading scientists to recognize the disease begins 10-20 years before onset of symptoms. Using biomarkers to determine who is at risk and mitigating those risks will prevent the disease for many. Finding effective treatment is also advancing quickly. The first person cured of Alzheimer’s will be in a clinical trial. Unfortunately, Grand Rapids has no clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease. A vision for how to develop a Center for Aging Brain C.A.R.E. (ABC center) can rectify this situation.
Dr. Morgan – Bio
Since November 2017 “Dave” Morgan is Director of the Alzheimer’s Alliance and Global Impact Professor of Translational Sciences at Michigan State University. Previously he was CEO of the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute at the University of South Florida. The Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute combined patient and family services, clinical research, education outreach programs and laboratory science seeking the prevention, treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s and related disorders. While there Dr Morgan oversaw development of Community-Based Memory Screening programs and the country’s first mobile clinical trial unit for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Morgan’s research interests are Alzheimer’s disease, aging and brain function. He is internationally recognized for his work on immunotherapy and gene therapy to treat the Alzheimer-related pathologies.

Morgan received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Northwestern University and spent 10 years at the University of Southern California before joining the University of South Florida in 1992. He has participated in over 80 grant-years of NIH funded research and published over 200 research articles. Morgan regularly sits on grant review panels for NIH and other agencies. In addition to his research activities, Morgan has consulted with both major pharmaceutical companies and small biotechnology, and advised capital investment organizations regarding the most promising therapeutic approaches to curing Alzheimer’s disease. At the national level, Morgan serves as Chairperson of the Program Committee for the world’s largest scientific meeting on Alzheimer’s disease (AAIC) and as Lead Representative of ResearchersAgainstAlzheimer’s, a national advocacy organization.

8.6.18 - 22nd Annual Rotary Open
2018-08-06 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 22nd annual Rotary Open on Monday, August 6, 2018 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!
HOLE-in-ONE Prize – 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Provided by James Eliassen and Auto World Financial

8.2.18 - "Rotary in the PM" - RSVP needed by Monday, July 30th
2018-08-02 16:30 - 18:00 | Hylant, 85 CAMPAU SUITE 100, GRAND RAPIDS, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for networking, appetizers and drinks at Hylant’s office in downtown Grand Rapids. You are encouraged to bring your friends, co-workers, clients and spouses to this fun event.
Please RSVP no later than Monday, July 30th and provide the name of any guest that you plan on bringing.

7.26.18 - Dave Bulkowski
2018-07-26 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
David Bulkowski is the Executive Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County which works alongside people with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives and advocates for accessible and welcoming communities. Mr. Bulkowski, a licensed attorney, has been with Disability advocates since 1995 and, during his tenure, has worked extensively with state and federal laws teaching others how these laws affect the rights and responsibilities of the community and persons with disabilities. Dave has spent a great deal of time organizing and advocating for accessibility, increased public transportation, and affordable housing in the Grand Rapids region.
Dave is an active member of many community collaborations, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, and the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on the boards of Grand Rapids Public Schools, the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, the Home & Building Association, and the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights/Michigan State Advisory Committee. Finally, not related to Disability Advocates, he currently serves as a Kent County Commissioner.

On the personal side of life, Dave is married to his awesome wife, Melissa, and they have three children: Sophie (22), Noah (20), and Liam (18).

7.19.18 - Drs. Paul Farr, Jill Bultje and Bill Baer
2018-07-19 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
William H. Baer, MD, PharmD – Medical Director, Research & Innovation, Mercy Health; Associate Professor of Medicine, Michigan State University
EDUCATION:
Undergrad – West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
R.Ph – Duquesne University, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA – Pharmacy
M.D. Pharm. D. – West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, PA – Doctor of Medicine
Residency – Grand Rapids Medical Education & Research Center, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI
Personal Statement:
“Through my involvement in clinical and research based medicine, I function in multiple roles. As Medical Director of Research and Innovation at Mercy Health and former Executive Director of ClinXus LLC, I have developed unique relationships with the hospital systems, physicians (community based and employed) along with other life science organizations that provide the necessary support for our community based alliance in research. I am committed to innovative research that is fundamental to improving patient care and outcome based research. As a practicing Internal Medicine physician, I see the need for advanced support and implementation of preventative medicine with disease modification earlier and more aggressively as well as behavioral lifestyle changes. Additionally I have extensive medical and pharmacology background as a practicing physician and doctor of pharmacy for over twenty years. I currently represent Mercy Health in clinical research and innovation based efforts which embraces a community that encompasses two medical schools, a school of pharmacy, a life science research institute, multiple physician groups across a myriad of disciplines and a Phase I clinical trial unit.”
Dr. Jill Bultje
Born in Grand Rapids, went to undergraduate at Calvin College, Medical School at Michigan State University, Family Medicine Residency at Saint Mary’s Family Medicine Residency and currently employed by Mercy Health Physician Partners for the past 15 years as a family medicine physician.
My husband is also a family medicine doc – Mike Bultje. and we have 2 kids Sarah who is 16 and Nick who is 13. I enjoywatching my kids play sports reading, travelling and am off to Glacier National Park for some hiking on Saturday.

Dr. Paul Farr
Paul is a retired gastroenterologist from Mercy Health Saint Mary’s.

7.12.18 - Presidents Passing of the Tiller
2018-07-12 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

7.5.18 - 4th of July - No luncheon
2018-07-05 12:00 - 13:15 | MI

6.28.18 - Tasha Blackmon
2018-06-28 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Tasha Blackmon is a dynamic participatory leader with more than 20 years of experience in business operations. Blackmon is responsible for providing administrative and operational oversight to Cherry Health, the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in Michigan. She has led numerous development projects, as well as large scale renovations and expansion projects during her 13-year tenure with Cherry Health.
Blackmon serves on multiple local, state and national committees:

Behavioral Health Community Steering Committee
Children’s Advocacy Center Board
City of Grand Rapids’ Sustainability Advisory Council
Kent County Crisis Center Task Force
Grand Valley State University Vice Provost for Health Advisory Board
Michigan Community Health Network (MCHN) Board and Operations Committee
Michigan Primary Care Association
National Assoc. of Community Health Centers (NACHC) Subcommittee of Health Center Financing
National Assoc. of Community Health Centers’ (NACHC) Committee on Health Center Excellence & Training
National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)
Varnum’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council

Blackmon has volunteered with many organizations; she is a philanthropist and eager volunteer who seeks opportunities to give back to the community.

6.21.18 - Dr. Bill Pink
2018-06-21 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
In May 2017, Dr. Bill Pink became the tenth president of Grand Rapids Community College. Dr. Pink was Vice President and Dean for Workforce Development at Grand Rapids Community College prior to becoming the president.
He has been an educator for over 25 years, and prior to his tenure at GRCC, Dr. Pink served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Oklahoma State University- Oklahoma City. While Abilene, Texas is his hometown, Dr. Pink lived in Oklahoma City for 18 years prior to making Grand Rapids home and has taught and/or coached in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Oregon. He was a successful college student-athlete as a basketball player, earning awards for his athletic and academic achievements, including a 2016 induction into the York College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Dr. Pink has an Associate’s Degree from York College, Nebraska, a Bachelor’s from Oklahoma Christian University, a Master’s from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Pink contributes to his community through a variety of ways, including membership on the Board of Directors for Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids, Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, and the Heart of West Michigan United Way. Dr. Pink also serves on the boards of West MichiganWorks (the workforce development agency for seven counties in West Michigan), The Employers’ Association in Grand Rapids, Talent 2025, and The Right Place. In January of 2016, Dr. Pink completed a four-year appointment as a member of the National Selection Committee for the National Merit Scholarship Council. He is also a former national conference co-chair for Dream Deferred: The Future of African-American Education. Dr. Pink is a sought after public speaker, and has accumulated numerous invitations to speak at events across the U.S. His topics are usually associated with diversity, leadership, economic/workforce development, and faith-based presentations. As an educator, Dr. Pink teaches public speaking courses as well as athletic administration courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Along with a daily workout regimen, Dr. Pink enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family. His wife is Lori, and their two children are Lance and Lydia. Lori, a Michigan native, is a retiree of the US Air Force and currently works for the Federal Aviation Administration. Lance, who is married to his wife Kayla, is a member of the United States Marine Corps, and Dr. Pink’s daughter, Lydia, is a high school freshman.

6.14.18 - Indian Trails Camp Picnic - Please RSVP
2018-06-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
Our Club has been supporting Indian Trails Camp since it’s inception in 1953. We are proud of our long-term partnership with ITC and every year we have a “picnic” that takes us to Indian Trails Camp. We get to see first hand what our support to the camp has meant and we get to meet the campers and staff, have a wonderful lunch in the Kate Pew Wolters Center with live entertainment provided by the campers and staff, followed by a tour the Camp.
We hope that you will join Tim, his staff and the campers at this fun and inspirational event. Please RSVP by Friday, June 8th.

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.

Indian Trails Camp is located
O-1859 Lake Michigan Dr. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Drive from M-45 W/Lake Michigan Dr NW to Tallmadge Township

13 min (8.5 mi)
At Aman Park
Just across the street from Grand Valley Auto Auction and Sales

6.7.18 - "Rotary in the PM"
2018-06-07 16:00 - 18:00 | MI
Please plan on attending this exciting “Rotary in the PM” oppeotunity as Mark Johnson and Michigan Software Labs host friends on their new rooftop deck in Ada, on Thursday, June 7th from 4-6pm.
Beer, wine, craft cocktails, and APPetizers will be provided. All free of course!
This is one of those rare events that you are being asked to RSVP if you plan on attending, so please RSVP to the Rotary office via email at rotary@grrotary.org or by phone at 616-459-5640 no later than Monday, May 28th.

Volunteer Opportunity
2018-06-02 10:00 - 12:00 | MI
If you love the outdoors and want to have fun while making a lasting difference, we invite you to be a KCP Volunteer! Project Opportunities and Events are offered March through October at more than 30 County Park sites.
Help us celebrate National Trails Day by supporting the North Country Trail section that runs through Townsend Park! Projects will include planting Native species, removing invasive species, and cleaning/trimming trails! Great for volunteers of all ages

10am-12pm @ Warren Townsend Park, 8280 6 Mile Rd, Rockford
12pm-? Lunch with group: please bring a lunch so we can enjoy a group picnic after our hard work is complete!
Unlimited volunteers, manual labor attire

To volunteer, please contact Christine Lindeman or James Eliassen.
