Veteran Adrian Noon Rotarian and former Mayor, Greg DuMars, was our speaker today and started by telling members that he would be coming close to out distancing Roger Myers who gave a lengthy Member Moment himself! Who doesn't remember that. Actually, Greg didn't even come close!!
Greg was born in McKeesport, PA and has been married to his wife, Deb. for almost 52 years! Greg attended Thiel College in Greeneville, PA. Following graduation, he started working at General Motors in the Cleveland area where he spent 9 ½ years at the Parma, OH plant that had about 8,000 employees. He was then promoted to the Adrian facility where he spent the rest of his career (23 1/2 more years) in Human Resources while dabbling in industrial engineering and manufacturing before retiring.
Greg said he joined Rotary in 1981 and was inducted the very same day as the late Bill Bacon, former county administrator, at the time the club met at the old YMCA on East Maumee Street. He was inducted by former Adrian Rotarian and then District Governor, Bill Chase.
About one year after he retired, he said, things got a bit more interesting. He said he was invited to lunch by then three current Rotarians (Dane Nelson, George Brown, and Sam Rye) and one past Rotarian (Al Smith) during the time the City of Adrian was considering "Detachment" (Build a Better Community Together) and focused on squaring its boundaries. The lunch group asked Greg to consider heading a committee for the City of Adrian which he accepted.
Greg said that a change with Adrian Township officials had been made at about that same time. Shortly after that the late City Commissioner at the time, Eric Sullivan, decided to resign. When no one stepped forward, friends of Greg encouraged him to throw his own hat into the ring which he did and was appointed to fill the vacancy. Greg had served on the school board in the past as well.
Greg spent 8 ½ years on the City Commission and the last two were Mayor. He has served on a number of boards as well. He spent time working with a group of people who raised $900,000 to save the Country Club.
Greg then shared some interesting information about his issue with prostate cancer, too. He said he was still very involved at his church now that a new session has started. He is also busy reorganizing the Pickle Ball club that he is a member of. The group now plays regularly at the new Y. He said he will be involved with the City when the start to build six new courts at Riverside Park this year. His group will also be working with kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Adrian to teach them to play the sport.
Great presentation, Greg!
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