Our own member, Luke, talked to us about the workshop he runs at the Adrian Center for the Arts property north of town but will soon be relocating to Merrick Street. He said that the organization was a 501(c)3 charity and that they received their charity status on April 23rd, 2017. Their “Mission Statement” reads: “We teach personal development through art education with an emphasis on woodworking. We teach and train marketable skills to the workforce. We are a collective of members that are governed by a set of bylaws and a board.” Luke said that anyone interested in reviewing the organizations by-laws can go to: www.sambeaufordwoodshop.com/bylaws
He said that the woodshop is made up of a group of volunteers that share a common goal and promote a culture of sharing knowledge. Many generous contributions from sponsors provide them with much needed tools supplies to help sustain them through the year. They are an accredited woodworking education center who partners with the WCA to offer skill based woodworking classes. They also offer project-based artistic and creative personal development. They also provide tools and resources to community members who wouldn’t otherwise have access to industrial grade machinery, Luke added. Their focus is building a fellowship and culture of sharing knowledge.
They own their own industrial equipment valued at $40,000 dollars as of July 25th. Their goal is to be self-sustaining. They are an accredited learning facility with a dynamic teaching staff, 2 Certified Woodworking Instructors, TV personality instructor, and a female woodworking Instructor. The organization taught their first woodworking certification class recently. They also taught their first Work Force Rehabilitation class to people with disabilities. Thus far they have over 500 students.
The organization’s goals through 2018, Luke said, include: Build their overall capacity, new board appointments, purchase more new equipment, implement their WCA 16 week certification course, continue offering art classes, expand their workforce rehabilitation classes, include people with addiction issues, increase their membership and encourage more community involvement.
They hope to have the new facility on Merrick Street operational by June 2018. They hope to receive Perkins Funding for Technical Career Training and achieve ZERO Financing. Luke said they will achieve these goals simply through sweat equity, community support, strong leadership and fundraising. The photo to the right shows the original building circa the 1880's flanked by railroad tracks which have since become part of the Kiwanis Trail.
He said that they needed to raise $100,000 and will consist of these six phases: Phase 1 - Blight Removal, Mow Lawn, Landscaping,, Remove graffiti, Removed Boarded Windows, Repair broken windows, remove boarded doors, repair and replace doors. - $10,000. Phase 2 - Weather proof and seal the building, install security system, tear off and dispose of old roof, dispose of trash and debris inside building, repair roofing structure, install new sheeting and decking, new roof on large and small building, gutters, repair/replace fascia and soffit - $18,000. Phase 3 - Interior Infrastructure, plumbing, electrical, network capability, bathroom repair/ADA certified, BLEACH EVERYWHERE, scrub and power wash - $16000. Phase 4 - Interior surfaces, industrial coating, repair woodwork, prime and paint interior and exterior, epoxy floor coating, move woodshop in - $15,000. Phase 5 - Windows & doors, replace all windows, make doors, remove filler siding, make entrances grand - $15,000. Phase 6 - Masonry repair, landscaping, apartment remodel - $25,000.
Great presentation, Luke. We all wish you the very best!
Kudos to Dane Nelson – President Nate recognized Dane for his efforts with the Maple Stadium fundraising and renovations. What a great new look it has off of Division Street here in Adrian! Congrats, Dane! Our club contributed $1,000 toward that effort.
Pathways & Interconnections Project – President Nate mentioned that the painting of the Rotary Room in the back of the building was completed last weekend and thanked all who turned out for it.
One Rotary Summit – Nate also thanked those 6 members who attended last night’s meeting – Susan Tobey, Luke Barnett, Kathye Herrera, Rhonda Gage, Jim Potthast and Yours Truly.
Hurricane Relief Fund – President Nate announced that the District has so far raised $13,000 toward this effort and that a very generous club member who wishes to remain anonymous has announced a matching gift of $1,000! Anyone wishing to make a donation can make their checks out to “Rotary District 6400 Foundation” and make a note in the memo section “Hurricane Relief Fund” and give them to our Treasurer Rhonda. Cash gifts are also welcomed. Please contribute between now and our meeting next week. Our gifts will be matched by the District as well! Thank you.
Fluency Friends 2017-18 School Year – Chairperson Mary Murray reported that we will be once again gearing up for this program at Michener Elementary. Sign-up sheet was passed around during our meeting. We’re looking for another great turnout that has lasting effects on the children that read to. The program will begin mid-October.
Annual River Raisin Cleanup – Prez Nate thanked those who help last Saturday especially Mark & Mary Murray and Luke Barnett who spearheaded this successful event once again. Thanks also go to Rotaractors from both Adrian College and SHU!
September 16 & 17 - Bike Tour – See “Today’s Presentation”
October 2 – District Governor’s Golf Outing – Our club has a team! It will be held at the Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon, MI. 12:30pm – shotgun start. Playing will be Greg DuMars, Kevin Keller, Dane Nelson and Gerry Burg.
October 6 – Dedication - On this date the grand opening of the Pathway’s/Interconnections office will be held. The time will be 4:30pm. Please plan to attend.
October 24 – World Polio Awareness Day – Prez Nate reminded members that all of the clubs in the county will be coming together to host a gathering at the Stables in Tecumseh that day. Each club will be sending a number of representatives to it. Each club will be submitting the donations that have been raised thus far to this cause. Our own John Elchert has agreed to help with the planning from our club and will be seeing to it that the community is aware of how significant this is to Rotary all over the world. More info coming.
November 2 – Official Visit by DG Rick Caron
Upcoming Club Program Presentations
September 21 - Libby Watson and new ASO director September28 - Jason Trame - Lenawee YMCA October 5 - Club Assembly October 12 – Eric Driver from Missions Sports Performance
October 19 – Joe Williams - One Lenawee
October 26 - Kathy Williams - Women & Children Homeless Shelter November 2 - DG Rick Caron visit