SPOKES VOL. LXVI NO. 9 September 10, 2019
We were greeted by John Hamilton and Larry Lewis
President Odland opened the meeting with The Pledge of Allegiance and Art Ayers provided the invocation, including prayers for Richard Swanson who is resting at home after a medical emergency this weekend. We also welcomed back Matt Schafer and his delicious breakfast.
Guests:
Our Guests this morning included Jane Copping, who is celebrating 64 years of wedded bliss to her husband Bob this week. Congratulations to these to fantastic couple! Also joining us for the last time as a visitor was Kaileigh Eddy.
Spotlight
Heather Chalupa was at our meeting to talk about the Light Up the Night event coming up on October 21st. The event, a 5K run/walk is a community activity that is family friendly. In addition to the 5K event which is timed but prizes are not presented, there is face painting and other kids’ things to do. Over the past 6 years this event has raised over $65,000 which is used for school supplies and events as determined by a committee of teachers in each building. Grant Chair Tom Renner presented Heather and her committee a check for $250 to help fund this year’s event.
Getting to Know You:
Pete Swanson
Pete was born in Battle Creek but moved to South Haven with his family shortly thereafter and attended school here. While here Pete earned his Eagle Scout award. He went on to MSU and then CMU and became a social worker before changing professions and becoming a conservation officer. He also worked at the Allegan Career Center for a number of years. He and his wife have two children and he continues to do volunteer work.
New Member Induction
President Odland invited Kaileigh Eddy and her sponsor Rhonda Wendzel to the podium for the induction of Kaileigh into our club. President Odland reviewed the obligations of membership with Kaileigh and Rhonda presented her with her membership certificate and new member handbook. She also received her Rotary shirt and hat from our president. Welcome to the Rotary Club of South Haven!
Announcements:
- Blessings in a Backpack will be starting soon. More info to follow.
- Haven Harvest is scheduled for Saturday October 19. Volunteers needed.
- November 21st is our Chamber ABO at the Moose Lodge with the Moose.
- December 10th is our Holiday Party at the Yacht Club
- December 21st is the Open Door Dinner at the Methodist Church
- December 21st is our day to do the Salvation Army Bell Ringing
- Dan Thompson has Rotary District Raffle Tickets for sale. $25 each. Two tickets left!
We postponed our singing this week in lieu of our program.
50/50
Jane Copping affectionately drew her husband’s ticket this morning but Bob’s luck ran out as he drew the 10.But it appears he has had 64 years of good luck.Bob Brickman, who is leaving us to head south this week, was fortunate enough to win the $2 prize to help with his travel expenses.
Fines:
- Stu Comiskey is celebrating the birthday of his grandson on 9/11.
- Steve Mile has two birthdays to celebrate on 9/11, his son and daughter.
- Bob Brickman’s daughter Gail has a birthday this week, also on 9/11 I believe.
- Tom Renner grandson has a birthday this week and his mother would be celebrating her 105th birthday.
- Bob Copping is and his beautiful wife Jane are celebrating their 64th anniversary this week.
- Jerry Gruber announced that his wife Ann is anticipating the arrival of her 5th granddaughter this week.
- Pete Swanson is celebrating the birthday of his daughter this week.
- Jerry Gruber had a special announcement. He presented Don Hodgman an aerial photograph of our pancake breakfast at the airport last month.
Dene Hadden introduced Mike O’Donnel from the Great Lakes Men’s Chorus. They were invited to give us a look at some possible songs we might add to our programs, or at least give us an idea what kind of songs we might want to look at.
Mike introduced the ten singers from all over west Michigan. They are all barbershop quartet singers. They sing at events all over the area from simple quartet programs to major shows involving all of their chapters and invited guest singers.
Mike and his fellow singers proceeded to sing a variety of songs, mostly from the 50’s and 60’s but a few newer, all in four part harmony.
They were excellent and had big smiles from the membership and received a standing audition at the end of the program.
The group is available for events and can be reached at www.greatlakeschorus.org
Interestingly, the group went to breakfast at a local breakfast establishment in downtown South Haven after performing. When they arrived they sang a song to get a table and sang another song just for the joy of singing together. When they were ready to leave, they discovered that another patron of the Phoenix Street Café and paid for their meal.
President Odland and Dene Hadden passed out our speaker’s pens to the members of the chorus.
We closed the meeting with the Four Way Test.
Next week’s program: Ted Weber will introduce Bill Hunter and Ross Stein to talk about the Water and Sewer Authority
Greeters: Richard Swanson and Scott Smith
Editarian: Dene Hadden