Jason Trame, the interim director of the Lenawee YMCA, was invited to speak today and tell us about the different programs offered at the organization as well as the proposed merger with the Toledo Y and the partnership with ProMedica. Jason is on loan from the West Branch Y in Toledo. He is married and has 2 children and is a Rotarian himself!
The Y nationally, he said, arrived at three areas of focus for local Ys a couple of years ago and they are: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Relative to Youth Development, he said it’s important that kids do well and succeed in school. In Michigan and Ohio, graduation rates are at 68% for kids living in lower income communities compared to the overall rate of about 80% and only about 65% of children entering kindergarten are ready to do so. "We currently have 135 children in our local pre-school and after school education program", Jason said.
In the area of Healthy Living, Ys are thought of as a “gym and a swim” or a “hoop and a dip” but they are much more than that. Physical Fitness, Swim and Aquatic Safety programs are available. Diabetes Prevention is also an important program. Chronic disease, of course, lowers the quality of life among individuals and accounts for a staggering 85% of all health care costs today! Some 190 people participate in the current Diabetes Prevention Program here in Adrian, he said.
In the area of Social Responsibility, it’s all about “community” and bringing people together through family events for example, Jason said. It also includes making Youth Development and Healthy Living available and affordable to everyone in this community. One of the things, he said, that allows us to do this is to go to an income-based fee system and membership structure. In the past, members could come in and secure a membership and ask for direct financial assistance if necessary, Jason said. So, the new income-based pricing model that has been implemented simplifies the process with a simple proof of income statement that generates a specific price for people to join!
Jason then provided details of the proposed partnership with the Toledo Y and said that the real benefit of that would be to help the Lenawee Y be even stronger by utilizing Toledo’s resources/staff and sharing in its efficiencies. The other exciting thing that is on the horizon, he said, is the partnership with ProMedica and the building of a brand new state-of-the-art facility on M52 “which will allow our organization to be much stronger and to serve more individuals, families and seniors!We currently serve people well now but will be able to serve them even better at this new facility.” He assured audience members that once the Y moves to its new location, there will not be a vacant building still sitting on Maumee Street adding to Adrian’s blight situation.
Jason closed by sharing a specific story that he experienced firsthand that served as a true example of what the Y does and the impact it has on people’s lives. It was a story about the gymnastics team at the Toledo Y that his daughter was part of and about one young girl from the opposing team (Sandusky) who was to perform at the very end after several rotations. As she prepared to perform, the Toledo coach instructed everyone on his team to root for this gal and that they did. Not only was this a mark of true sportsmanship, Jason said, but a teaching moment for everyone that in gymnastics and life as well, their successes and achievements are determined by them and not soured because someone else achieved success and may have even replaced them on the podium!
Pathways Grand Opening – Was a huge success this past Friday at 5pm. State Rep Bronna and Mayor Berryman were on hand along with the following Rotary Club members: John Elchert, Mark & Mary Murray, Jim Hartley, Dave Maxwell, Nate Smith, Sue Lewis, Kathryn S. and Yours Truly! I counted about 75-100 people. Congrats to Kathryn and her staff and all of the Rotarians who helped on the project.
Nate thanked everyone today who turned out for this special event. Kathryn added that the she really appreciated all that both clubs did to get the facility ready which really impacted the community.
Hurricane Relief Fund – President Nate thanked all who contributed. Thus far, we raised over $2,900!! Outstanding effort! Nate also mentioned the two ladies that contacted him from Puerto Rico who wanted to help in the effort and were directed to a site through which contributions could be made. Here are two sites for contributions:
Fluency Friends 2017-18 School Year – Mary announced that she is still waiting on several background checks to be returned. Training will begin soon. There is a wonderful room set aside for students and volunteers, she said.
Christmas Wreath Sales – Nathan Salazar, committee chair announced that flyers are available; price per wreath of $21 remains the same as last year; numbers you sell need to be reported by October 26th. An electronic image of the flyer was sent out so that members can post them to Facebook. You will also need to place the sheet with your orders in them in an envelope with your name on them like last year and turn them in by the 26th of Oct. We would like all members to sell at east 5 wreaths. Delivery of the wreaths is scheduled for November 21. If anyone wants a gift box for them, they are available for $3. Let’s make this another huge fundraiser!
Comstock Christmas Tree River Walk Project – Chair Mark and Mary announced that the program is ready to “GO”!! All we have to do as a club is simply to sell tress for $50 to individuals, businesses, etc. that they decorate themselves. They will be erected and lights will be put on them by the City. All you have to do is decorate them! We will have 160 trees available. The trees are set up and ready for decorating as they are sold. The official lighting will take [lace about 7:30pm on December 1 following the parade. Our club particularly needs to sell 50 of them this year. Flyers are ready to display or hand out to interested parties. An electronic version will also be sent for posting to your social media pages. We just need the customer’s name, address and check for $50 and drop off to Mark or Mary or at City Hall. The tree lighting will culminate the event. Date to be announced. ALERT! – Patty Clark announced that Midwest Energy will be purchasing 5 trees and graciously offered each of the Rotaract presidents in the room today their own for their clubs to decorate!! Thanks, Patty.
Purple Ribbon Day - Club members gathered after the regular meeting on Thursday, October 12th to show their purple ribbons in support of Rotary International’s World Polio Day. Members below all made individual donations to the cause which will officially be celebrated by members of all five Lenawee County Rotary clubs on October 24th at a luncheon in Tecumseh at the Evans Street Station.
October 14 - Bissel’s Empty the Shelters Event – REMEMBER – this program will benefit the Lenawee Humane Society. Adoptions are free that day (paid by Bissel) but people must have an application on file to qualify.
October 14 – Adrian Festival of the Arts Thank You Party – Brent Mercer announced again that this will be a Ho-Down! It will be at Patty’s brother’s barn next to the Water Sports at Devil’s Lake. Allie Louise, the female singer, will be the features performer. Brent said to email him should you want to attend.
October 21 – Adrian Rotary Foundation Board Meeting – Mark announced that the ARF will have a board meeting immediately following next week’s regular meeting.
October 21 - Lenawee Humane Society Halloween Ball – Patty announced the date of Saturday, October 21st; $55 per person; $500 for prestigious table of 8 guarantee your seating arrangement in a prime location at our event. LOCATION: Adrian Tobias Center, 110 S. Madison St., Adrian, MI 49221. Deadline for tickets is today.
October 24 – World Polio Awareness Day – John Elchert is chairing this committee. There will be a luncheon this day and all clubs in the county have been invited to attend. It will be at the Evans Street Station in Tecumseh starting at noon and cost $12 each. PDG Bruce & Sue Goldsen will be presenting a program. A sign-up sheet was passed around today and will again at next week’s meeting. Please wear purple hat day or your purple ribbon. Watch the Daily Telegram for more info. We raised close to $200 today and his will be combined with what the other clubs raise and presented to Bruce and Sue on the 24th! All donations will be matched 2 for 1 by the Bill & Melinda Gate Foundation by the way!
October 26 – Fireside Chat – Nate announced that we are planning an orientation and club social this date starting at 4:30 for new members and a social following at Kathy William’s house. More info coming.
November 1 – Career Expo at SHU – Barry Reinink invited members who are looking to hire to join him at the expo. It is an expo for Adrian College and Jackson College as well, he said.
November 2 – Official Visit by DG Rick Caron
November 9 – Blood Drive – At Crossroads Community Church (the former Baptist Church across from the Big Boy restaurant on Broad Street) from noon to 5:45.
November 22 – Joint Rotary/Kiwanis Thanksgiving Luncheon – This is our year to host. A sign-up sheet will be passed around soon.
December – Salvation Army Bell Ringing – Kevin will be arranging this again this year. Could be as early as November. Stay tuned.
December – Club Christmas Social – President Nate said we are planning an event and more info coming.
November 2 – Official Visit by DG Rick Caron Let's have a huge turnout!
Upcoming Club Program Presentations
October 19 – Joe Williams - One Lenawee
October 26 - Kathy Williams - Women & Children Homeless Shelter November 2 - DG Rick Caron visit
November 9 - Mike Olsaver - RI Foundation
November 16 - Michael Sullivan, Attorney
GUESTS: John Dudas, guest of John B., Bob Murray, guest of his son, Mark.
Brent Mercer’s ticket was drawn so won $27 and then Yours Truly’s name was pulled but he did not select the winning card so did not win half of the $161 pot.
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Jason Trame, the interim director of the Lenawee YMCA, was invited to speak today and tell us about the different programs offered at the organization as well as the proposed merger with the Toledo Y and the partnership with ProMedica. Jason is on loan from the West Branch Y in Toledo. He is married and has 2 children and is a Rotarian himself!
participate in the current Diabetes Prevention Program here in Adrian, he said.
luency Friends 2017-18 School Year – 
October 24 – World Polio Awareness Day – John Elchert is chairing this committee. There will be a luncheon this day and all clubs in the county have been invited to attend. It will be at the Evans Street Station in Tecumseh starting at noon and cost $12 each. PDG Bruce & Sue Goldsen will be presenting a program. A sign-up sheet was passed around today and will again at next week’s meeting. Please wear purple hat day or your purple ribbon. Watch the Daily Telegram for more info. We raised close to $200 today and his will be combined with what the other clubs raise and presented to Bruce and Sue on the 24th! All donations will be matched 2 for 1 by the Bill & Melinda Gate Foundation by the way!
October 26 – Fireside Chat – Nate announced that we are planning an orientation and club social this date starting at 4:30 for new members and a social following at Kathy William’s house. More info coming.
