Laura Schultz Pipis, Executive Director of Family Counseling & Children Services of Lenawee County, was our program today. Previously, she spent 18 years with the American Red Cross – many as CEO of the Monroe chapter. She is also an adjunct lecturer at EMU teaching Leadership classes. Laura is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Monroe but her hubby is a Rotary Club member and past president as well of Monroe – a “mixed” marriage as she refers to it! Her hubby is employed at Old National Bank and a colleague of Nate Smith’s! Laura spoke to us today about the Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence Shelter in particular. Here is what she shared with us:
In 1978, an organization by the name of Call Someone Concerned paved the way for the shelter which was officially started in 1979. A grant from the Stubnitz Foundation funded much needed remodeling of the facility recently. Their “Mission” – to help individuals and families make positive changes in their lives. The shelter currently sleeps 38 people. Staffing costs are offset by grant monies. However, there are many other expenses so they rely on private donations as well. It costs about $200,000 a year to run the shelter. Half of that comes from grant money.
Their 2nd Annual Everyday Hero’s Celebration fundraiser is scheduled for March 21 at the Tobias Center at Adrian College. The event honors individuals who do extraordinary things in this county. A panel made up of local community leaders review applications of those nominated and choose the winners each year. This past year some 15 people were recognized.
Statistics show that it takes an abused person 8 times before they actually break away from the source of the abuse. One in three families in Michigan are affected by domestic violence. In 2015 some 295 arrests were made that were domestic violence-related. There are over 100 domestic violence homicides in Michigan each year. Women who leave a relationship are in more danger within the first 2 weeks of leaving than at any other time in the relationship. In 2016 there were over 1,100 crisis calls made to the shelter, 115 adult residents were housed there, and 28,000+ meals were served.
For more info about items the shelter is always in need of and how you can donate directly, please visit: http://www.fccsoflenawee.org/about-us.html Registries are setup at the local Kohl’s, Elder Beerman and Wal-Mart stores.
Adrian Rotary Foundation - Our club presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to Lenawee Now's Executive Director, Jim VanDoren, at last week's meeting to help them facilitate new business startups in the community. Pictured here from L to R are: PE Nate Smith, Jim VanDoren, Frank Dick and Secretary Allen Slater.
At this week's meeting, ARF Chair, Mark Murray, thanked everyone who donated to the foundation and reported that the foundation was very close to achieving its goal of $5,000. If you would still like to contribute, please contact Brent Mercer. Thank you.
Thank Your Letter – Lenawee Now sent the club a letter thanking us for our generous gift of $5,000 to help further economic development within Lenawee County.
District 6400 Clothing Drive – AG Mary mentioned that an anonymous member dropped off clothing for this drive and wished to thank them but really didn’t know who that person was. This drive is sponsored by our district for the purpose of collecting gently used women’s clothing so they can go out on job interviews. Thanks to whoever that member was!! These clothes will be delivered to Cleveland at the District Conference next week.
ARF Donations –
Members Presented with PHF – Recognized for their contributions to the RI Foundation were Secretary Allen Slater and John Elchert. John was presented his Paul Harris Fellow pin for his combined contributions of $2,000 (PHF +1) to date and Allen for his total contribution of $3,000 (PHF +2). Other members recognized at the joint 100th Anniversary of the RI Foundation dinner on April 21st: Mike Tobey (PHF+5), Kevin Keller (PHF +3), Greg Simay (PHF+2), Chip Moore (PHF+2), Chuck Chase (PHF+1), Susan Tobey (PHF).
Lenawee Humane Society Event – Patty updated members about last Saturday’s successful event. All adoption fees were paid by Bissel, she said.
Purity – Rhonda reported that Purity is about to complete her Junior year at SHU and was recently inducted into the International Honor Society and is one of two individuals competing for a scholarship at Bowling Green University that will allow her to enter their Master’s Degree program! Rhonda said that Purity wanted us to know how grateful she is to our club for all we do for her.
Bike Tour – REMINDER: Chip will be asking members to serve on various committees as we will need everyone’s help so please be prepared to say “yes” when asked. A sponsorship team is being organized to seek donations. The first day is an “On road” event where bicyclist can choose on of for courses: 25 (approximately 1 hour to complete), 40, 62 or 100 (5 to 6 hours) mile distances. Safety and water stops along the way. St. John’s Lutheran Church on M52 and Valley Road will be the starting point for this event. Those on the 60 and 100 mile tour will go on up to MIS and on their 400-acre property and loop back around. In future years, bikers touring this route will be allowed to take part in an on-track event. The Sunday event is a timed event at Heritage Park across from the MJR Theater. Both events have been announced and published in the recent issue of the Michigan Ride Calendar. Website should be up and ready soon.
Recognition by APS – AG Mary announced Adrian Public Schools has commended our club for “demonstrating outstanding service to students at Michener Elementary through their Fluency Friends program”!! The proclamation went on to say that “members who have participated provide positive role models for students and an opportunity for them to improve their reading skills”. The last day for volunteers will be May 24. On May 25th, there will be the traditional Open House beginning at 9am. The club will be presenting students with 3-4 books they can take home with them to read during their summer vacation. Thanks, Mary, for all you have done to make this program the success that it is and to our many volunteers who have impacted the lives of these children!
Club Scholarships Awarded – AG Mary who chairs this committee along with Kathy Williams and Lisa Wilkie poured over the resumes of many deserving students and selected two in particular who were awarded $1,000 each for the 4-Way Test and the Robert J. Brady Scholarships from our club. Receiving the 4-Way Test Scholarship was Keeley Pape from Adrian HS and receiving the Brady Scholarship was Avery Cash from Madison. The formal presentation ceremony will take place this coming Sunday at 2pm at Dawson Auditorium on the Adrian College Campus.
Onion Sales – Kathye has been recording orders from members and has yet to hear from a couple of you so please let her know how many orders you have or donate $80 if you did not have a chance to sell any. It would be appreciated. Thus far the Most Sold Award goes to Kevin Marti (100 bags), Kathy Williams (67 bags), Kathy Herrera (30 bags). Money was due today but will be accepted next week as well. Thanks, Kathye and members for another successful program!
Random Acts of Kindness – Amelia Earhart wrote: “A single act of kindness grows out roots in all directions and the roots spring up and make new trees.” How true that is. So, whether you’re out and about or at work go to rotar6400kindness.com and do something good for somebody!
Rotarian of the Year – Please be thinking of a deserving member who you would like to nominate for this honor. Winner will be announced at the Annual Changeover Dinner on June 29th. Forms will be out shortly.
DATES TO REMEMBER
May 7 – Great Lakes Woodworking Festival – Over 35 professional woodworkers are coming from adjacent states and even Illinois. There are actually two purposes behind this event, Luke said. To give the exhibitors a chance to sell their works and even take orders for furniture people are looking to purchase in the future. Another purpose of the festival is to educate people about woodworking in general. There will be several classes offered to both children and adults. Bic C Lumber in Adrian and Tecumseh Plywood are sponsors. They include Gunstock Carving and Band Saw Tune up just to name a few. Luke needs our help so a sign-up sheet will be passed around at next week’s meeting or you can go on line now at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080F4EADA829A7F58-woodworking . Tool boxes will also be made during the event (between 4pm and 6pm) and sell for $150 each, Luke said.For more information about the event please visit www.greatlakeswoodworkingfestival.com .
May 11 – 15 – District Conference – Signed up to go as of this writing are: Yours Truly, Nate Smith, the Murray's, the Simay's and the Olsaver fam. Here is a note from DG Sue about the conference:
DisCon 2017 begins Thursday evening, May 11th at 6:30 with a private, Rotary District 6400-only event at the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! You’ll enjoy a full dinner, free reign of the museum and the planning committee has even developed a scavenger hunt with prizes for some extra fun.
Friday morning will begin with our opening ceremonies and the Parade of Presidents & PDG’s, followed by a full morning of speakers and presentations on club projects that will show you how we “followed our hearts” this year as we Served Humanity. After lunch, you’re encouraged to participate in our free-time activity, a visit to “A Christmas Story” house & museum, including our Santa Claus Flash Mob event!
Friday evening, you’ll laugh and you’ll cry and be awed by our keynote speaker, Past Rotary International President Rick King, one of the top speakers in the Rotary world. We’ll also have a big party that night celebrating the 100th Anniversary of our Rotary Foundation!
Saturday (fill in details of morning program), and another opportunity to explore the revitalized and energetic city of Cleveland, including its West Side Market in the city’s vibrant Ohio City neighborhood, right across the street from the Great Lakes Brewing Company, where we’ve setup a special tour and tasting (optional, at an additional charge).
You’ll want to be back at the Renaissance in the late afternoon in time to get gussied up for our reception and awards celebration, where we’ll give special recognition to the clubs that take service to new heights – culminating with the Hugh Archer Awards for innovative new projects and the Dick Hedke Award for the best all-around club in our district. Will the 2016 Hedke-winning club of Taylor keep the trophy? You’ll want to be there to find out!
Many of our clubs are offering our special “first-time attendee” stipend - $300.00 off your conference package, half provided by your club and half by District 6400. Check with your club president to see if yours is participating. Simply put – we NEED you to come to this conference. I PROMISE you will be as motivated and inspired as I was when I attended my first conference in 1996! If you have any questions about the conference, please don’t hesitate to email me, sue@goldsen.com. I can’t wait to celebrate a great Rotary year with you… because Cleveland ROCKS!!!
MAY 15 – Strokes for Students Golf Outing – Rod Pender announced that reservations are now closed for this event. Thanks to those that signed up to play! The club is providing stipends of $50 for each member who is playing. Proceeds go to college scholarships.
May 21 – EraceStigma 5k run - This is the 3rd consecutive year for the race and that Lt. Governor Calley was, indeed, going to be here to run. Our club’s role this year will again be with the Kid’s Dash which begins before the main race at 9am Be sure and wear gear with the Rotary logo on it. Yellow and blue vests will also be available. A sign-up sheet was passed around. Volunteers can park on the Farmer’s Market lot. Thanks to the 12 volunteers who signed up to help.
June 29 – Annual Change Over Dinner – This will be a joint event with the Morning Club and hosted once again by Rhonda and Bob Gage at their luxurious lake front home at Loch Erin! More info to come. Please mark this date on your calendar. REMEMBER: No meeting that afternoon.
Upcoming Club Program Presentations
May 11 – Bob Vogel – Hardwoods of Michigan
May 18 – Member Moment – John Elchert
May 25 – Kathye Herrera – MADD
June 1 – Drew Philp – Author
June 8 – Steve May – River Raisin
GUESTS: Junior Rotarians Delaney Henry and Allison Hofflander; visiting Morning Club Rotarians Marilyn Kremer and Rich Donner.
It was Brent Mercer’s turn today and he fined these members: P. Clark (2), Sack, Wagley, Luckett, Chase (2), Burg, Mary M., Elchery (2), Hokenson, Slater, M. Simay, G. Simay, John B., Moore, Olsaver.
Happy Bucks – Mark M., Wagley, M. Simay, Marti, Chase, Hokenson.
Laura Schultz Pipis, Executive Director of Family Counseling & Children Services of Lenawee County, was our program today. Previously, she spent 18 years with the American Red Cross – many as CEO of the Monroe chapter. She is also an adjunct lecturer at EMU teaching Leadership classes. Laura is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Monroe but her hubby is a Rotary Club member and past president as well of Monroe – a “mixed” marriage as she refers to it! Her hubby is employed at Old National Bank and a colleague of Nate Smith’s! Laura spoke to us today about the Catherine Cobb Domestic Violence Shelter in particular. Here is what she shared with us: 
Adrian Rotary Foundation - Our club presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to Lenawee Now's Executive Director, Jim VanDoren, at last week's meeting to help them facilitate new business startups in the community. Pictured here from L to R are: PE Nate Smith, Jim VanDoren, Frank Dick and Secretary Allen Slater. 
Members Presented with PHF – Recognized for their contributions to the RI Foundation were Secretary Allen Slater and John Elchert. John was presented his Paul Harris Fellow pin for his combined contributions of $2,000 (PHF +1) to date and Allen for his total contribution of $3,000 (PHF +2). Other members recognized at the joint 100th Anniversary of the RI Foundation dinner on April 21st: Mike Tobey (PHF+5), Kevin Keller (PHF +3), Greg Simay (PHF+2), Chip Moore (PHF+2), Chuck Chase (PHF+1), Susan Tobey (PHF)..PNG)
ike Tour – REMINDER: Chip will be asking members to serve on various committees as we will need everyone’s help so please be prepared to say “yes” when asked. A sponsorship team is being organized to seek donations. The first day is an “On road” event where bicyclist can choose on of for courses: 25 (approximately 1 hour to complete), 40, 62 or 100 (5 to 6 hours) mile distances. Safety and water stops along the way. St. John’s Lutheran Church on M52 and Valley Road will be the starting point for this event. Those on the 60 and 100 mile tour will go on up to MIS and on their 400-acre property and loop back around. In future years, bikers touring this route will be allowed to take part in an on-track event. The Sunday event is a timed event at Heritage Park across from the MJR Theater. Both events have been announced and published in the recent issue of the Michigan Ride Calendar. Website should be up and ready soon.
ecognition by APS – AG Mary announced Adrian Public Schools has commended our club for “demonstrating outstanding service to students at Michener Elementary through their Fluency Friends program”!! The proclamation went on to say that “members who have participated provide positive role models for students and an opportunity for them to improve their reading skills”. The last day for volunteers will be May 24. On May 25th, there will be the traditional Open House beginning at 9am. The club will be presenting students with 3-4 books they can take home with them to read during their summer vacation. Thanks, Mary, for all you have done to make this program the success that it is and to our many volunteers who have impacted the lives of these children!
Onion Sales – Kathye has been recording orders from members and has yet to hear from a couple of you so please let her know how many orders you have or donate $80 if you did not have a chance to sell any. It would be appreciated. Thus far the Most Sold Award goes to Kevin Marti (100 bags), Kathy Williams (67 bags), Kathy Herrera (30 bags). Money was due today but will be accepted next week as well. Thanks, Kathye and members for another successful program!
May 7 – Great Lakes Woodworking Festival – Over 35 professional woodworkers are coming from adjacent states and even Illinois. There are actually two purposes behind this event, Luke said. To give the exhibitors a chance to sell their works and even take orders for furniture people are looking to purchase in the future. Another purpose of the festival is to educate people about woodworking in general. There will be several classes offered to both children and adults. Bic C Lumber in Adrian and Tecumseh Plywood are sponsors. They include Gunstock Carving and Band Saw Tune up just to name a few. Luke needs our help so a sign-up sheet will be passed around at next week’s meeting or you can go on line now at 
May 21 – EraceStigma 5k run - This is the 3rd consecutive year for the race and that Lt. Governor Calley was, indeed, going to be here to run. Our club’s role this year will again be with the Kid’s Dash which begins before the main race at 9am Be sure and wear gear with the Rotary logo on it. Yellow and blue vests will also be available. A sign-up sheet was passed around. Volunteers can park on the Farmer’s Market lot. Thanks to the 12 volunteers who signed up to help.
