What pronouns do you use to describe yourself? What words do you prefer that others use to refer to you?
"Grammar rules don't change". Thou and you are two examples of how the meaning of pronouns can shift.
"Dictionaries provide unchanging definitions of words". However, dictionaries are living documents and words' meanings change all of the time.
"You can't just make up words". However, we do this all of the time. For example, what do you call your grandma? Lots of different families have lots of different words to call their grandmothers. The words may change over time.
If you aren't sure what pronouns to use to refer to someone, please ask. Not asking or assuming might be more hurtful than asking and allowing someone to explain and proclaim the words they feel most comfortable with. If you do make a mistake, acknowledge it. Using the preferred pronouns shows respect.
This morning Rotary enjoyed a presentation regarding women in history and their contributions to various fields. Discussion regarding additional women who also made significant contributions followed.
Announcements: We have built and distributed 66 desks to children so far. Our next build will be April 17th. A Board meeting will be held this coming Saturday, March 20, at 9 am.
Today the Club enjoyed a presentation to learn more about Michigan's Early Middle College program. 27% of people in Berrien county have a degree. Participating students apply to the program in 10th grade, take college courses alongside their high school courses in 11th and 12th grade, and attend community college for one year full time after high school. When they graduate at the end of that fifth year they graduate with an Associates Degree. All of the coursework that they take while enrolled in this program is free to the students. The books and fees are covered by the program as well, so that there is no cost to the student. This program especially benefits students who want to achieve an Associate's degree in one year post high school, first generation college students, students who want to take advantage of the financial benefit this program offers, and students who want an Associate's Degree to begin employment immediately after graduation from the program. Students must provide their own transportation to and from the college classes in many participating school districts. Support is provided to the students regarding resume building, interviewing, and successful strategies for being a college student. Students enrolled in the program participate in High School graduation with their senior class, but are considered ungraduated High School students during the "fifth" year when they are taking full time classes at the community college. Students are given support to receive scholarships to continue their education, letters of recommendation, as well as help with applications to transfer to university or post "fifth year" programs. Every school district in our county is participating, with about 48 students enrolled this year. The fifth year, when students are enrolled full time at the college but still considered undergraduate and high school students, the state pays the school district the per student foundation allowance, so it is financially beneficial for the district as well. About 80 percent of the students go on to continue their education in a variety of fields. This Early College Program allows the student to do the prerequisites for other programs. Students are provided guidance regarding applying when transferring to help them qualify for scholarships, both in state and out of state. You can learn more about the program at: https://www.berriencte.org/5th-year-emc/
Ms. Mackenzie Kastl provided an update regarding current projects, activities and outreach programs that the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor has been engaged in recently. They are observing all COVID safety precautions and working to meet the needs of as many children in the community as possible. The staff has been reaching out to families to help with needs that have arisen due to COVID and children's issues. Virtual programming and virtual tours are being offered and are 30 minutes for anyone who would like to learn more about the club. These tours are guided by the children who participate in Club programs. For more information about the BH Boys and Girls Club you can reach out to Ms. Mackenzie Kastl at mkastl@bgcbh.org.
Mr. Trent Watford shared with us information regarding the Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Their organization has three purposes: Community Awareness, Educational Events, and Prevention Efforts. You can visit their website at https://www.berriencares.org/ This website provides a variety of resources for training, events, and support and help for anyone struggling with suicide - themselves or friends or family of those affected. The BCSPC also offers a "Safe Talk" workshop, which is available to schools, first responders, and individuals who work with children and the public.
If you or someone you know is contemplating or has been impacted by suicide, here are some 24 hour helplines:
An informative program regarding December Holidays was presented this morning, with many members participating as presenters of the information. We learned more about the significance and traditions of celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. If you celebrate any holidays during this season, we wish you and those you love much joy and peace.
The club continued its long tradition of bell ringing to raise funds for the Salvation Army on December 12. Teams of two were at each door at Walmart throughout the day. People were generous with their money and their thanks. As always, members enjoyed interacting with the public and kept warm while singing holiday songs and greeting others.
Today we reflected on a video clip about resilience. The speaker suggested to consider life in smaller chunks of time, be grateful, have a positive attitude, accept things you cannot change but focus on what you can change, and find time to be creative. We also discussed how important it is to have a support system when going through something difficult. Even meeting online, just knowing others care and are with you is helpful. Exercise. Keep a journal. Begin anew with a fresh start everyday. One kind act for someone else can pick you up, too. Always look on the bright side of life.
Several members of the Club have been reading "Find Your Why" by Simon Sinek. For next week's meeting, our "homework" is to reflect on why we joined Rotary and be prepared to share our reasons with the Club. Have a great week!
On Wednesday, November 25 Sunrise Rotary members Cindy Kinney, Mike Kinney, Eddie Marshall, Ann Oden, Kyra Utroske, and Julie Webb were joined by Lakeshore Rotarian Sally Ernst and three ladies from Head Start in setting up and stuffing Thanksgiving baskets for 20 Head Start families in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Cindy and Heidi Anderson worked early to keep Rotarians safe by shopping for and gathering donations, including 14-16 lb turkeys, all provided by BH Sunrise Rotarian members. We are thankful to Ann who did a quick grocery run Wednesday morning when it was realized we had run short on a couple food items and Bob Gifford came in to add extra cans of vegetables for the families.
We are grateful for the 20 beautiful table runners sewn and donated by Sally – she has done this for at least 5 years for us - donations of candles, paper plates and napkins from JoAnn Fabrics and puzzles from Domino’s Pizza were included in each basket.
The hope of all Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotarians is that these families felt cared for and very full after their Thanksgiving feasts!
This morning we contemplated information from a clip from "Face the Nation" presented by Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. She is concerned that projections indicate there is an anticipated 50% decrease in commodities available to feed families in the coming year and yet it is also projected that there will be at the same time a 50% increase in demand for those same commodities. There are systemic problems that cause food insecurity. While conflicting views were espoused, the conversation concluded with concern that we need to understand the "why" reasons for the issues that exist as barriers before we can address the problems effectively. Many resources were discussed that currently exist in our community - cooking classes that also provide free crock pots, gardening programs, farm to table programs, nutrition and wellness programs, and poverty simulation programs for those who have never experienced poverty and don't understand the systemic and daily challenges that one faces in that situation. It was suggested that rather than create new programs ourselves, it might be more useful for our community if a list could be complied of the programs that do exist in our community so that they could be better promoted to benefit everyone who may be in need of assistance.
Susan Dietrich-Reed is the Director of Music for the Citadel Dance and Music Center, located in Benton Harbor. This morning she shared information with us regarding recent fundraising efforts, the music lessons provided to children in the area (which she explained are provided by highly credential musicians), the scholarship program that is offered for music lessons for children as the classes and lessons are private pay, and the Art Hop. Precautions with the pandemic include that all instructors wear masks at all times and also have a plastic shield to seperate them from the students during lessons. The Art Hop is an event that is free that offers community members an opportunity to visit many galleries and music and art related businesses in Benton Harbor. If you are interested in dance or music lessons, you can contact the Citadel Music and Dance Center at (269) 925-1099 and https://citadeldmc.org/index.php.
The guest speaker was Eddie Marshall, founder of Toys for the Needy.
His philosophy is, “The Gift of learning is an everlasting gift.” He is very concerned about the children in our community as the connections to school are electronic and not all the kids have good internet connection or any internet connection and some kids don’t learn well electronically. He is also concerned that single working parents have a hard time keeping track of their children when there is not school.
In 1956, when Eddie was a child, his mother had his baby sister at Christmastime. Since she knew she would be in the hospital, she entrusted all of the Christmas money to a cousin who used it for himself. As a result Eddie and his siblings had no presents that year. It was traumatic for him and he doesn’t want any child to go through what happened to him. All children need a present for Christmas.
He founded Toys for the Needy in 1996. He had been soliciting money and toys for kids for Christmas, and realized he needed to get, applied for and received a 501C3 Nonprofit status in 2014. He has a list of families and is always on the look out for more children who, without his help, may not have a Christmas present.
He is looking for toys, but cash, and gift cards are better, to use as gifts. He is very grateful for the help our club has given him.
If you can send a check or gift cards, his address is
Today our club enjoyed a Ted Talk from Steven Petrow, a writer also known as "The Civilist". He offered that civility as we once knew it is declining - civility meaning decorum, formal politeness and polite behavior. He pointed out that "New Speak", as defined by George Orwell in the book 1984, is when we try to change what people think by the way we use the words we do and how we use language. Language can be labeling and demonizing, and words and expressions can be disrespectful and triggering. He suggested that we should stop using these trigger words - words that are inflammatory and set people off. For example, he shared that John McCain, as a politician, often had to debate others and their ideas and beliefs, but at his passing both friends and political adversaries noted that when he had to debate others he never made personal attacks. He engaged civilly, with respect for the person even if he disagreed with their beliefs or ideas. As a club, we discussed how important this is, to consider our words and our "labels" and generalizations as we interact with others, especially in regard to our current political climate. We discussed how this is important for us to do as Rotarians in our community and how civility applies to our own Four Way Test: of the things we think, say and do:
Our guest speaker today was Ms. Kat Boyer, Director of the Benton Harbor Public Library. Ms. Boyer spoke regarding challenges, successes and lessons learned from providing services and working to best meet the needs of the community during the global pandemic while implementing health and safety restrictions. In addition to providing library materials through curbside service, the library also provides electronic books and audio books directly to your personal devices. Ms. Boyer is a resource person for our region to help with setting up and using the ebooks and audio book service, and is happy to help community members navigate the apps required to set up this service. The library staff also assists the community by answering informational questions that people telephone the library to ask, as well as referring those who call to needed community resources. Ms. Boyer and the library staff miss the daily interactions with the people who use the library, especially the children. She encourages anyone from the community who needs assistance, resources or information to please reach out the the library. They appreciate the opportunity to help others and our community.
You can find the library website here: https://www.bentonharborlibrary.com/ and their phone number is 269-926-6139.
This morning we engaged in a discussion regarding the importance of connections - human connection with each other - in response to a Ted Talk we watched together. The Ted Talk was presented by a researcher who wanted to determine what factors contributed to longevity. The top factor that she determined impacted longevity was human connection, relationships, and "having a village" - having strong relationships with friends and/or family who will support you and be there for you no matter what. We, as a club, also considered the importance of the interactions we also have using technology and what we can do to create more authentic interactions: turning on your camera in a Zoom meeting or online class, looking at the camera to make better eye contact instead of looking at the screen so that others see eye contact from you, and even waving and saying hello to bank tellers or others we interact with in a safe way, physically distanced, during this pandemic, to stimulate the brain for those authentic connections, more than what a text or chat box provides.
If you missed the meeting or would like to watch the Ted Talk, you can find it here:
For further consideration and reflection, NASA astronauts will share a talk this evening at 8 pm regarding their experiences and the importance of staying connected with others while in space. You can access that resource using this link: https://www.storytellersproject.com
If you are interested in membership or would like to attend one of our meetings, please contact us for the Zoom meeting link. We'd love to have you join us.
Have a great week! See you next Wednesday at 7 am on Zoom!
District Governor, Nathan Triplett, joined our club via Zoom. He had three things to discuss: Rotary International (RI), District 6360 and Local clubs.
The president of RI this year is Holger Knaack. He has four “opportunities” this year for us. 1: New club models (check out this month’s district newsletter.) He wants all clubs to operate in an effective way for them. 2: Set aside at least 1 meeting a year for strategic planning. As we rotate presidents from year to year, this makes continuity available. 3: Select members carefully to make sure we have inclusion, and this sets up success to target recruitment of folks who want to be Rotarians to make sure they are committed to being involved in serving our community. 4: Keep our promise to children to eradicate polio. Be sure to attend the Polio RI Zoom meeting Oct. 6 about polio.
The district’s goals are a net positive membership at the end of June and each member donating $100 per year.
Rotary needs diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels, RI, district and club. We are innovative and adaptive. This has been proven by our ability to revamp our meetings with no notice. He reminded s that we really won’t have “normal”, but we can have a new, better, normal.
During the question period, it was noted that the District is matching donations to RI Foundation again this year. If interested, contact Kathy Gallagher. More info is in the district newsletter.
Melissa Stolfo from Kinexus / Michigan Works presented information to our club members about the "New Second Chance Prisoner Re-Entry Program". This program is geared toward local (Berrien, Van Buren, & Cass Counties) men and women who are incarcerated in a local jail, are 25 years old or older, and live locally. The purpose of this program is to teach life skills, provide educational opportunities, and provide physical and psychological support that will be beneficial to finding a job and maintaining employment upon re-entry into society. The program follows them to provide support for a year after re-entry. Kinexus is in need of mentors and other employment and volunteer opportunities for their program participants. Additionally, they are seeking community organizations that would be willing to provide welcoming invitations for programs participants to attend churches, clubs, volunteer time, etc.
For more information, or to partner with the Second Chance Program, please contact Melissa Stolfo at 269-927-1064.
Why not join our Rotary Meeting on Wednesdays at 7:15 am?
As participants you may call in or join by video. For video you only need to install the app on your phone, tablet or computer. There is no charge to use the app and participate in the meetings!
If you don’t want to use the app there is also a list of numbers at the bottom of this invitation that you can use to dial into the meeting. Sorry, none of them are toll free numbers, but it does avoid installing the app. If you choose that route you can skip down to the meeting details, note the Meeting ID, dial in and follow the directions.
For those that want to use their smartphone, tablet or computer I’m including a couple of YouTube links to help. Give yourself about 10 minutes before the meeting to set it up on the fly. Click on the Join Zoom Meeting below and the site will prompt you to install the app and start up. You will need to give the app permission to access your audio, video access is optional. You do not have to enter any personal information to join the meeting, but entering your name will help everyone see who is on and identify who is speaking. This video is the easiest way to get going on any of your devices. Join a Meeting
Participants using cell phones and tablets can follow the above paragraph pretty easily. Laptops with built-in microphones and webcams can as well. If you are using a desktop PC or a laptop with external webcams or microphones you may want to setup the application and test prior to the meeting. This video does a little more in-depth explanation regarding setup and testing. How to Join a Zoom Meeting as a Participant.
Email info@bhsunriserotary.org for an invitation to our Zoom meetings.
The club's Foundation recently awarded grants to eight local non-profit organizations. All the grant funds are to benefit the youth of Benton Harbor and may not be used for operational expenses. The awards went to Benton Harbor Public Library, Readiness Center, Junior Achievement, Toys for the Needy, Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, Water Street Glassworks, Benton Harbor Girls Association and Citadel Dance & Music Center. These were dollar-for-dollar challenge grants so please donate to help the organizations meet the challenge and have success on their projects.
The Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Foundation set a deadline of April 8, 2020 for grant applications. The Foundation is looking for projects which focus on the youth of Benton Harbor and target literacy, numeracy, leadership development, or personal development. The grants will usually be for $500 but the the grant amount is based a combination of the project details and available funds.
To download the grant application click here. You will also find it www.bhsunriserotary.org, just click the Grants/Foundation button on the menu bar and select 2020 Grant Application.
There are just a few rules to follow: 1) Organizations that have received grants in the past may only apply if their project is complete and the grant report has been submitted, and 2) organizations are limited to one application per cycle.
Emma Kinnard, right, with Dyann Chenault after a presentation to the club. Emma is a retired classroom assistant from Benton Harbor Area Schools. She also owns Emma's Horticultural and Floral Creations, and she is the director and founder of Fresh Start Children's Garden. Although Emma has not had previous experience in Rotary, our club has helped her with Fresh Start. She is involved in a lot of community activities including gardening, landscaping and sitting on some City of Benton Harbor Boards. Emma wants to join Rotary so she can "be involved in giving back in any area possible." Cindy Kinney is her sponsor. Emma, Welcome to Rotary.
Michael Smith returned to Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary today. He was a member 20 years ago and wants to return. He was heartily welcomed by several members. He is a residential builder. Welcome Back!
Our own club's Lee Scherwitz did a TED talk on Polyglots.Polyglots are people who learn many languages.The focus of the TED talk was how to learn a language. First, start speaking from day one.Learn simple phrases like how are you?Where is the bathroom?Please and Thank you.
Polyglots have one thing in common.It is not how to learn.Everyone has their own unique way to learn.And everyone has some activity that gives them joy. So, second,So use that joy.For example, listen to an audio book in the language you want to learn.Find unexpected time to dedicate to your plan.And use that method.
Third, create a system/plan that includes that method every day. And stick to it.
This leads us to the fourth step: be patient with yourself.Set reasonable goals.Take your learning into your own hands.Be sure to track your learning so you can actually see results.
To review the Ted Talk by Lydia Machova click here.
The March 2020 issue of the Rotarian provided an update on the efforts to eradicate polio world wide. Rotary began the effort in 1985, enlisting the World Health Organization, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and governments. Rotarians have contributed $2.1 billion dollars, most of which the Gates Foundation matched $2 to $1. The results are beyond imagination: 99.9 percent of the world is polio free; all of Africa, all of China, all of India, and all but two countries! Only Pakistan and Afghanistan have live polio virus. More than 18 million children would have contracted polio without the efforts to immunize new populations. The Gates Foundation has extended the $2 for $1 match through 2023. Please be part of making a polio-free-world by making a donation at rotary.org/donate.
Our own Lee Scherwitz lived in Germany for 14 years, and he has made many trips back since then. He lived in Germany when the Berlin Wall came down.
The Berlin wall was built around and through the middle of Berlin after WWII. It separated West Berlin from the rest of Berlin and all of East Germany. As the wall was being built, people ran, jumped, tunneled, and went in air balloons to escape before it was too late. It was very difficult as the families, relatives, and friends were split up, there was not enough food, the people lost their joy and happiness, and except for the buildings close to the wall, the city was never reconstructed after the war. The analogy was going from color to a dingy, dark world. To go from Frankfort to Berlin, normally a 4-hour drive, would take a day and a half because of the check points. This presentation was a very emotional one because of these memories.
In November of 1989, East Berlin got their freedom back and the wall was opened up. People were chinking away at it, and when doorways were opened, painters painted the “door frames.” Lee’s daughter really wanted to go to Berlin after the New Year’s Eve celebration, so they went. Freedom!! The joy in the streets was palpable. Chink, chink, chink could be heard everywhere as people were taking down the wall and keeping pieces as part of living a piece of history. Lee and his family joined in. At the end of the day, Lee’s hands were bleeding from hammering and removing a part of the wall. Prayers, anger, and a lot of emotion were there that day. Freedom! People’s eyes went from dull to sparkling.
Dalton Wright provided a brief history of Jamaica. It is the third larges island in the Caribbean Sea. There were indigenous people there when Columbus discovered it in 1494. The plantation owners planned on the indigenous people to work on the plantations, but they all died from the diseases brought in. That’s when the African people were imported.
When the Spanish were expelled by the British, the people of the African Ashanti Tribe took advantage of their knowledge and expertise in guerilla warfare. Queen Nanny of Ghana and the Maroons were able to defeat the British in 1801 in a famous battle, and therefore, treaties were made. The treaties were broken and Sam Shark, an educated man, knew the slaves could be liberated. He started a huge rebellion in 1834 which killed a lot of British so the slaves were all declared free.
Jamaica became an independent country in 1962, although they still follow the protocol of the Monarchy.
Over the years, Jamaica has had a lot of immigrants from many countries including China, Germany, and Irish plus many more countries. It has become a very inclusive country with a strong belief in multiculturalism.
Ed Arnold, Laporte Indiana Rotary, was our guest speaker. He joined Rotary in 1985 and has been assistant governor in his district. He was on a Rotary Group Studies Program 35 years ago. That program has been phased out but he was involved in projects to get sewing machines for women, mattresses for Mother Theresa, and Polio Plus.
He had an outstanding memory in the Caribbean when he was asked to help a club move from one district to another. Another was when he was in Calcutta, India and needed to catch a train. He asked a stranger for directions, and the stranger was a Rotarian who took him to the train, changed his hotel reservations, and provided dinner. In Mexico he asked about a plastic surgeon and a doctor and both turned out to be Rotarians who did really good jobs.
His message was to always include Rotary in your travels. Whenever you go anywhere, go to a Rotary meeting. You never know who you might meet.
Jesse Tennison is offered the hand of welcome to Rotary from president Cindy Kinney. Jesse is president of Tennison;s House of Carpentry in Benton Harbor. He lives in St. Joseph with wife Sekenah. Joining Rotary is Jesse's first step into community service. Jim Smith is his sponsor. Welcome Jessee!
Dan Utroske is shown during the Silver Beach Pizza Giveback Event on January 29, 2020. Approximately 150 members, partners and supporters turned out for the event. The restaurant provided a 20% contribution on all food and drinks, both dine in and carry out during the day. The night resulted in a donation of $270 for the club's community fund for use in service projects - and everyone enjoyed the food, drink and fellowship. Thanks to Silver Beach Pizza for the support!!.
Our own club's Heidi Anderson provided an impromptu discussion of lake levels. After reaching a low in 2013 an icy winter reduced evaporation. Then followed years of high precipitation which raised the lake to current levels. There are too many factors that affect lake levels to form a regular pattern. The current expectation is the the lake will rise another 12-18 inches. In the long term levels will likely fall. The normal swing between high and low levels is six feet.
Sherry Decker, left and Abby Dill, physical therapist for Lakeland Health, talk about the wellness class for those with low bone density. Bones are living tissue that continue to regenerate. Osteoporosis can interfere causing more porous bones. A bone scan is one way to check for the condition. Exercise is a critical part of any treatment regimen. Balance is important to prevent falls on fragile bones. "Bones in Balance" classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday. Contact Lakeland for more details.
Larry Jackson, chairman of youth services and advisor to the Benton Harbor High School Interact Club, reported that they have 15 high school students involved this year. They have already completed 40 hours of community service and plan a 5k fundraiser in February. The club hopes to send eight students to Puerto Rico in July. They've begun communications with the San Juan Rotary for local service projects.
Ronnika "RJ" Williams, is content creator / photographer, for Final 48 Project. She is a videographer who built on the loss of her own father to talk about grief as part of a project at Duke University. She promised her own father that she would return to grad school, write children’s book/series, and produce documentaries. In her study she videotaped other black women who had lost their fathers. Her hypothesis was that grief isn't verbalized in the black community. RJ closed her presentation emphasizing the importance of coping with grief, and how her original promise led to success in accomplishing goals/promises made to father. You can get a better feel for what she did by visiting her web site: www.final48.org
She is currently doing additional work with several local organizations including Lori's Place although her full time job is at the Boys and Girls Club.
Thanks to Ogden Wright and Alice Ford for the content and photo.
The club continued its long tradition of bell ringing to raise funds for the Salvation Army. Teams of two were at each door at Walmart through out the day. People were generous with their money and their thanks. Shown below, from last year, are Felicia Smith and one of her Interact members. Thanks to Alan Bartlett for his usual great job.
The club members brought turkeys and all the trimmings for Thanksgiving dinner. Members quickly assembled sixteen baskets for needy families. Special thanks to Bob Gifford for his annual effort to make this happen.
The club took the opportunity to say thanks to our major sponsors, LECO, Travel Leaders, Horizon Bank, Piggotts Farm Market & Home Depot, for their support of our projects. Alice on left and Dyann display the banner.
Rotarians and Interactors from Benton Harbor High School were out in the community providing dictionaries to every third grader in the Benton Harbor Area Schools and all the area charter schools. Each dictionary is a gift to each student and has a place for the student's name. This is the sixth year that the dictionaries have been distributed. Thanks to Jim Smith and Sharyn Kaatz for organizing this project.
Upton Foundation Awards Grant for Kindles for Kids Project
The Frederick S. Upton Foundation awarded the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Foundation a grant to supply Kindle tablets to the students in four classrooms of second graders at Benton Harbor Area School’s International Academy at Hull. This project will build on the work of Eddie Marshall’s Toys for the Needy organization and Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary.
“Based on what we have seen in the pilot programs, this grant will help improve reading skills for all the second graders in Benton Harbor Area Schools. This will provide the children with a better foundation for meeting the important 3rd grade Michigan reading requirements designed to have a significant impact on their long-term educational success,” said Dave Bly, Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Foundation president.
And Patricia Robinson, interim superintendent for Benton Harbor Area Schools, said “We are thankful for the generosity of the Upton Foundation. The tablets will give us another resource to allow us to improve our student’s reading skills and further invest in their success. Technology integration in the classroom is key in shaping the future of our young learners. We are honored to partner with the Upton Foundation and the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Foundation on this project.”
Additional funds for the project have been provided by Eddie Marshall, president of Toys for the Needy, including the following donors: B&Z Construction, Industrial Fabrication, Michael Mason, Tetra Horticulture Co, Moo’s Place Chinese Restaurant, Shoreline Mold Engineering and Priebe’s Creative Woodworking.
Dr. Sarah Glendernalik, at podium, is artisitic director of Midwest Youth Ballet Company, a four year old, 501c(3) organization. Also shown, from left are dance coach Dennis and soloists Zaria and Harmony. Leah, another dancer, worked the computer and told her story. Each dancer spoke about the benefits of ballet for improving their self esteem, character and posture. The company, which includes 45 dancers, is preparing Nutcracker for December 7, 2019 at South West Michigan College auditorium, shows are at 2 and 6 pm, $10. Classes for boys and girls are held at Fusion Center on Plaza Drive near the mall.
Below are Dr. Jim's two daughters and dancers, Norah and Grace, who will be part of the Nutcracker performance.
Jim Smith, left, congratulates Dave Krieger on his 2nd Paul Harris Fellow. Dave said it was accomplished by just donating his change at the end of each day.
Lee Scherwitz, our own club's certified sommelier, pours a taste of wine at the club's 5th Wednesday night out. Sue Scherwitz is at his right hand and Jim Smith looks on. Lee provided professional descriptions for each taste he poured. Members brought snacks to share. A great time was had by all. Thanks to the White Pine Winery for allowing the use of their tasting room..
Alice Ford, our club's program chairperson, introduced a Ted Talk by Jennifer Jones on the state of polio eradication, our part in World Polio Eradication Day October, 24, 2019. The video recounts how the Rotary clubs in the Philippines demonstrated that eradication was possible. That projext lead Rotary International to form an alliance with the World Health Organization, Unicef, and the Gates Foundation to reduce the annual 350,000 cases to zero. The effort has been 99.9% successful and is "this close" to completion with only two countries, Afganistan and Pakistan, with about 30 new cases this year. You can watch the video at https://youtu.be/28RMR8MnwDQ.
Heidi Anderson, center, waits for her Rotary pin from Alan Barlett, her sponsor and Cindy Kinney, president. Heidi is an environmental engineer for Edgewater. She is a graduate of Michigan Tech, and a former Interact club member in Rochester, Michigan. She lives in St; Joseph. Welcome to Rotary.
Ron Goldy, Michigan State University Extension Services, announced that we have the best growers in the world, but we also have the worst consumers. Most people don’t know where our food comes from. A few statistics about farming were presented:
In the 1880’s, 80% of the population were farmers.
In the 1930’s, one farmer fed four people.
Now, 2% of are population are farmers.
Now, one farmer feeds 155 people.
The MSU Extention office is working to provide farm to table information to our population. They have created 8-9 videos that last 2 – 3 minutes which can be shown in waiting rooms, schools, churches, youth organizations, etc. They are available on flash drives and YouTube.
We watched three videos; one video that showed the bare field, planting 36 rows at a time, a tractor with GPS to accurately seed the field, weed removal, pest control, pollination, harvesting, and the bottling process. This farmer had $4 million invested in his tractors and attachments. The videos are available here.
The second video was farm to table for grapes to Welches Grape Juice. The third video was farm to table for blueberries.
The license plate displays the call sign "KF8Z" of our own Dan Utroske. Dan has been an amateur radio operator since his teen years. He has a license to operate his radio on frequencies assigned by the FCC. There are 600,000 operators in the US and two million world wide. Dan shared some interesting facts: the space station always has an amateur operator on board; the local hospitals have base stations; the county emergency center, 911 and National Weather Service have base stations; Morse code is no longer a requirement; and the radios can be connected to computers to send email or other digital messages. Service is a major part of amateur radio. They participate in safety and welfare communications. Message can be relayed coast-to-coast in two hours or less. The local club also supports the Apple Cider Century bike ride, the CROP walk and other events.
Kathy Stady is the census hub coordinator for Berrien County. She was joined by her boss, Lisa Cripps-Downey, executive director of Berrien Community Foundation (BCF). Their project is called Be Counted Berrien, an effort to maximize the 2020 Census count. There are 20% of the potential count that is at risk for a variety of reasons. In Benton Harbor and Benton Heights it's over 30% at risk. This means that all the federally funded programs have 20% or $44 million of their funds at risk.
BCF will be organizing non-profit organization to make sure their clients are included in the census.
One factor affecting the count is fear the census information will be shared with law enforcement or immigration. Kathy confirmed that data is confidential and not shared. A $250,000 fine applies for any disclosure.
The census is only 9 questions, without citizenship or income questions. This census will be internet first priority.
Ogden Wright was inducted into Rotary by Cindy Kinney, president. Ogden was born in Kingston Jamaica and immigrated to the US to pursue an engineering degree. He's now a civil engineer working for Abonmarche in Benton Harbor. He was an Interactor and Cub Scout in his youth so he knows the value of Rotary and has a heart for service. He lives in St. Joseph. His sponsor is Marcy Hamilton. Welcome Ogden!.
Dr. Gulf Kasewurm, St. Joseph audiologist, returned to Rotary to discuss her recent trip to Peru for the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Working with local Rotary clubs in five cities, they fit and tested free hearing aids to 20,000 adults and children, about a 50/50 mix of children and adults. She also reported new initiatives in Africa where there are few audiologist. An institute has been formed to train more specialists. And last year, with local funding support, she conducted her first clinic for 100 patients. She hopes to repeat the local event in June 2020. To learn more or donate click hear.
Each pumpkin in the tank represents a raffle ticket. At the appointed hour a chute opens and the pumpkins line up for the five prizes. This year over 600 pumpkins vied for the prizes. In addition to the raffle there was pumpkin carving and decorating and bake goods and plants available for sale. The proceeds from the day will be used to benefit the youth of Benton Harbor. For more pictures click here.
LECO's bed race team is shown receiving the first place trophy from Jeff Dudley, middle right, store manager of Slumberland Furniture, partner with Rotary for this event. Our own club's Farai Rukunda, middle left, is holding the trophy for raising the most funds. This is the third (an earlier edition said "second") year in a row that LECO won the donor's award.
Starks Funeral Home team won for Best Team Spirit
Spectrum Health/Lakeland ER team won for Most Creative Design
Our own club's Pastor Mel Burton and Caroline Fort went to Columbia South America on a mission trip.
They focused on the city of Buenoventura, which is across the Andes from the capital, Bogata.Because of the drug cartels, there has been an increase in crime, child labor and child prostitution.Their focus was to train the children in leading a better life.To do this, they created a curriculum which included how to support yourself without prostitution and held classes with the children.In addition, theypassed out beans and rice, school supplies to a school with elementary, middle and high school kids, lead rallies, fed families, went to a Latino Convention, set up leadership meetings, and performed baptisms.The women of Buenoventura have their own plot of land and plant, grow, wash, roast, package and sell coffee and cocoa.Mel and Caroline’s church sells their product for $10 for 18 ounces.The proceeds are helping the people in Buenoventura, Columbia.
A few comments about Columbia: Columbia is in the northern part of South America and is close to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side.It has 12 million ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse people.Many of the people are leaving the Catholic Church because of the church’s connections to the government, which is connected to the drug cartels.Should you choose to go there, they emphasized that you never wear jewelry, take only the money you need each time you leave your hotel room, and don’t let anyone see your money because thievery is rampant.They said that the cheapest time to go is September through May.
Rotarians gathered twice at Lee Scherwitz's place to get the pumpkins ready to pick the raffle winners. At top they're prepared for gluing the counterweight; at bottom they're finished. A pumpkin goes into the tank for each raffle ticket sold. Buy your ticket now to join the race on September 21, 2019. Photos by Dan Utroske.
Our own club's Marcy Hamilton, at right, representing SWMI Planning Commission, provides instructions to volunteers for the first Ox Creek clean up. Teams headed out to five different sections to police the area near the creek. Several organizations supported the effort, including Interfaith Action, Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary, and St. Joe-BH Rotary. Industrial Sanitation took away the 70 bags of trash. Abonmarche handled the 40 bags of recyclables. A spring event will be organized.
Sarah Woolcock is a heart transplant recipient and a volunteer for Gift of Life Michigan. Her heart started failing shortly after the birth of her son when she was 34. She struggled with heart issues for seven years before a transplant was her only option. Now 20 years later she is a member of a small group of transplant survivors. She noted that in Michigan you must opt-in to be donor. Every donor could save eight people and improve the lives of 75 more. You are never to old to be a donor. The doctors will decide how your donation might help. To learn more about Gift for Life, or to sign up to be a donor, click here.
Rotarians gathered at Mike Kinney's shop to build three beds for this year's Great Bed Race on September 20, 2019. (Michael Mason couldn't stay for the photo.) Thanks to great planning and preparation by Bob Gifford and Mike Kinney the build went smoothly. Mike's cat Sam crashed the picture but stayed out of the way most of the time.
Our club provided dinner for the Benton Harbor High School football team, aka the Tigers, and their coaches. The players showed up a little tired after two-a-day practice but they made short work of spaghetti, meat balls, salad, rolls and cookies. Rotariams plus Beth Bentham did the planning, shopping, cooking, serving and clean up. Thanks to Cindy and Mikes Kinney, Dan and Kyra Utroske, Jim and Beth Bentham, Michael Mason, Lee Scherwitz and Bob Elliott for putting this together on short notice.
Harbor Country Rotary partnered with Chikaming Open Lands to offer the community an opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy some beautiful areas and learn about these two wonderful organizations located in Harbor Country. Pictured, from left, are Rotarians David McNabb and Tom Flint, also shown is Jen Thompson, marketing director for Chikaming Open Lands. They offer a 10 trail challenge during the month of July. Participants earn prizes for 3, 5 or 10 trails completed. There is a strong social media component as participants take selfies in special frames to document their accomplishments and send them via Intragram. This year 205 registered participants gobbled up 95 prizes. They are interested to add more trail options in St. Joe Benton Harbor. For more infomation click here.
Each year the outgoing president designates the "Rotarian of the Year" for their activities throughout the year. This year president Joseph Taylor decided to recognize the three club members the formed the Interact Club at Benton Harbor High School, shown above, from left are the club leaders: Felicia Smith, Sarah Stocker, (not shown Larry Jackson); and current president Cindy Kinney. Each recipient received a plaque citing their "outstanding service to the BHHS Interact Club committee". Congratulations!
On board Cynthia, from left, are Cindy Kinney, Rhoda and Larry Jackson and boat owner, Andy Grootendorst. They were part of the Rotarians, spouses and friends who went for an evening sail to enjoy the beautiful conditions on lake Michigan. Thanks to other skippers: Ron Groth, Jud Brown, Kevin Geiser and Ann Dahmer for providing their boats for this event.
The Benton Harbor High School Interact team just returned from a two-week trip to Cuba. Larry Jackson, left, lead the trip which included chaperone, Mshannon Rockette, and students, Qiyamah and Tamia. Not shown are chaperone Sarah Stocker, students Quincy and Christopher, and club leader Felicia Smith.
A highlight of the trip was playing soccer with kids at a park near the AirBnB. Even though they didn't have a shared language they figured it out together. For the service part of the trip the team delivered books to several schools. They were prevented, however, from meeting with the students.
The Interactors were shocked by the poverty, and soon grew tired of rice and beans. They took in the sights with the help of a guide, learned a little Spanish with daily lessons, and become a "family". The host and chef made life a little easier. They learned that in the Cuban system many people had to work two jobs: one for the government, without pay, and another one to put food on the table. Most jobs paid $20-30 per month. The photos from the trip will be added to this story and our website in an update to this story.
Mary Jo Schnell is the executive director of the OutCenter in Benton Harbor, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, partially funded by United Way. The organization serves the LGBTQ+ community, helping to make the community more inclusive for kids, families, employers and employees. The OutCenter offers a drop-in location that is safe and welcoming, with computer lab, library and referrals to services. Confidential counseling by professional staff or religious leaders are also available. Programs include Teen Pride Alliance, LGBTQ+ Safe Schools Collaborative, and Advocacy and Education services. Its legislative priority is to protect the LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination by expanding the current law to include them. For more information click here or call 269.925.8330.
The club held it's first "Lift a Pint for Rotary" event at the Livery in Benton Harbor. Shown, from left and Kyra and Marcy alongside the information display prepared for the event to tell the Rotary story to friends and visitors. The 6360 District Governor Marjorie Haas was on hand to meet and greet club members and guests. When you combine the fellowship, the drawings and prizes, the pizza and pints, the funds raised for our projects, the evening was a great success. Farai received an American Flag to celebrate his recent citizenship. Thanks to president Cindy Kinney and all her helpers for making the event a success.
District Governor Marjorie Haas is shown taking a photo of the rapidly disappearing pizza and beverages. Afterward she shared her comments about the night.
"Just a quick note to thank you for inviting me to your "Lift a Pint for Rotary" event last night. I enjoyed meeting you and listening to you. Congratulations on your trip to Cuba and on Faral becoming a citizen of USA! Your Public Image display board and website are exceptional. Your club has a lot going [on]. "
Steven Pierangeli, chief assistant prosecutor for Berrien County, returned to Rotary to the rest of his story. In May his primary topic was Sexting. This time he focused on Cyberbulling crimes which have three laws with escalating penalties. The first is just bullying. Second is "stalking", which is un-consented contact. Physical threats also fall under this area. And finally there are acts of terrorism which included threats of violence, especially toward schools - a 20 year felony.
Steve also discussed the attorney general's efforts to protect kids from abuse. The state offers an anonymous tip line via a new app called OK2Say.
His suggested starting questions are:
What are your favorite websites? Have you seen objectionable pop ups?
Who are texting with?
May I look at your feed?
How do you choose which people to accept as friends??
What personal info do you share?
He also recommends you maintain access to your children's web activities; no secret passwords or lockouts.
Some teens are sending nude selfies to their boyfriends, expecting it to be private. But, it often happens that the photo or video will be quickly shared with a wide circle of associates. This can be devastating. It's a crime for someone to ask you for a inappropriate photo, punishable by up to 20 years and/or $100.000 in fines.
Farai announced to the club that he completed all the requirements and was recently sworn in as a citizen of the United States of America. Congratulations Farai!!
Sarah Bischoff, left, staff specialist and Kathleen McCourt, second grade teacher, report that the year-long pilot project was a great success. Each student had their own Kindle that had content managed by Sarah and Kathleen. They found that the Reading A-Z app was the perfect solution for managing the books they wanted the kids to read. The Kindles went home with the students but were also used in the classroom to add books and other apps. Parental controls limited usage. The testing at the end of the year demonstrated reading growth that exceeded standards and expectations. The tablets were given to the students at the end of the school year for their personal use. The project was partially funded by a District 6360 matching grant.
The wall was filled with ideas about changes the club could consider to close its deficit for breakfast meals. President-elect Cindy Kinney will collect the input and recommend changes for the future. Thanks to Cindy, Michael Mason and Brian Saxton for organizing the session.
The club was presented with an award for its work for Polio Plus. Jim Smith shows the award to Alice Ford. Alice has lead many projects to raise funds for Polio. The club uses the first meeting 50/50, speakers awards and other avenues to provide fund to eradicate polio. This fiscal year we donated $2,050 dollars to The Rotary Foundation for Polio Plus.
This week we watched an discussed a TED talk by Reshma Saujanic, founder of Girls Who Code. She contends most parents raise their girls to be perfectionists and their boys to be brave. This conditioning makes girls overly cautious. She stated Girls Who Code to over come the conditioning. The 12 minute video is below and available here.
The club gathered at the Hawks Nest in Benton Harbor for fellowship and brief updates on various topics.
Bryan Tutton reported the Bed Race plans are moving forward. He also pointed to the flowers around town. This is the result of Bryan's work with local business and the First Church of God. Bryan also mentions tilling five gardens around time.
Dave Bly reported the fundraising events are on track for the fall. Sponsors will be asked to shift their support from the 5K to other events. Dave also reported that the club's foundation will review grant applications next week.
Larry Jackson will lead four Interact students to Cuba in June.
Finally, Dave Krieger has completed two grant applications for next year; one for t-shirts for Interact and Books and Tablets for Kids.
Dyann Chenault, in her role as assistant governor, presents Bob Elliott with the 2018-2019 Hero Award from District 6360. The club's citation was: "Bob Elliott has been an active member of our club since 2005 and served several years as treasurer. He recently made a transition to bookkeeper supporting the new treasurer. This new alignment provides separation of duties and better financial controls and accountability. Bob also provides the “glue” for the club members with weekly newsletters, posting summaries of presentations, and instructing new members on use of our club’s website. He organized and initiated two district grants for literacy and park maintenance projects. Bob also built and maintains a dedicated website to support our three annual fundraising events. Not only that, he has had perfect attendance for at least two years. Bob is a true Rotarian!" Congratulations Bob.
Steven Pierangeli, chief assistant prosecutor for Berrien County, stopped by Rotary to provide messages that he has been delivering around the community. His two primary topics were Sexting and Cyberbullying. First, he said sexting involves send photos and videos over the internet. He suggest parents start a conversation with those who have access to phones with texting capabilities.
His suggested starting questions are:
What are your favorite websites? Have you seen objectionable pop ups?
Who are texting with?
May I look at your feed?
How do you choose which people to accept as friends??
What personal info do you share?
He also recommends you maintain access to your children's web activities; no secret passwords or lockouts.
Some teens are sending nude selfies to their boyfriends, expecting it to be private. But, it often happens that the photo or video will be quickly shared with a wide circle of associates. This can be devastating. It's a crime for someone to ask you for a inappropriate photo, punishable by up to 20 years and/or $100.000 in fines.
Cyberbullying, i.e., sending threats over the internet, was recently made a crime in Michigan.
Larry Jackson is shown holding the charter for the Benton Harbor High School Interact Club. Sarah Stocker, left, and Felicia Smith, are part of the Interact team leadership. The certificate had gone into a black hole for several months, but now the club is official, just in time for the students trip to Cuba. Congratulations to Larry and his team.
Our own Lee Scherwitz was on deck to provide Lest We Forget’s plan for June 22 and 23, 2019. This year’s theme is Anchors Away - a look at the US navy's role in combat. Displays will present the three navy ships on permanent exhibit in Muskegon and Bay City. Beach landings, boat rides and helicopter rides will be available. There is a great slate of speakers on both days. Saturday night will end with a FREE outdoor concert by The Fortunate Sons, a Credence Clearwater Revival tribute band.
All events will be held on the parcel on St. Joseph River just west of M-63. Just take M-63 north from St. Joe and exit for Witwam Drive, then turn left at the bottom of the ramp. Parking is at the same location.
For schedule information and speakers list go here.
Our member, Farai Rukunda, started Living Beyond Hope, a 501c(3), to support improvement activities in his home village of Arnoldine Zimbabwe. In this week’s update he reported the new school was completed and dedicated on April 23, 2019. School test scores are also improving as a result of donated desks and books. Six students will receive scholarships to attend high school. The community also wanted to reward the teachers by providing housing nearby. Farai highlighted the contributions by the village residents, preparing the ground, making bricks and building the structures.
Brain Sexton joined in for a brief discussion of a global grant to start egg production to provide jobs and income. District and RI matching grants of $3 or $4 to 1 might be available. The project has the club’s support. Brian will be forming a committee to help produce all the materials that the grant application requires. If you are interested, contact Brian or Farai.
Sunrise Rotarians used these mountains of playground mulch to return the park to a safer area for neighboring children. Special thanks to Mike Kinney for prepping the site and Lee Scherwitz for his outstanding work with a small front loader. This maintenance was made possible by a Rotary District 6360 matching grant.
Tara Gillette, marketing specialist for Region IV Area Agency on Aging. Tara graphically shared some interesting facts about "aging" and reviewed some of the many services offered by her agency. She also talked about their new "campus", created with the purchase of the Honor Credit Union. The new space will let the organization spread out and provide permanent locations for some of their services, which are l are itemized below
Information & Assistance on such topics as in-home care, Medicare/Medicaid, insurance, housing, meals, transportation and more. Info-line 800.654.2810.
Care Management programs which offer families effective home-based alternatives for people who need help.
Caregiver Education & Support providing outreach, resources, training, and education about caregiving, aging, and available services.
Computer Learning via the SeniorNet program which teaches people aged 50 and older computer skills to enhance their lives.
Senior Volunteers whose programs help children and other seniors in their communities. Grandparents and other relatives raising children receive support.
Senior Employment program provides high quality job training and employment assistance for senior job seekers.
Advocacy on public policy issues affecting seniors and persons with disabilities.
Community Planning, Development, & Funding for programs which help seniors and persons with disabilities remain independent, and support caregivers.
...and more. The Agency on Aging works to assure the highest quality or life for older persons through a person-centered approach to service delivery, information provision, and advocacy.
The foregoing information was provided in a brochure distributed at our Rotary meeting.
You can learn more by calling the Area Agency on Aging at 800.654.2810 or on the web at www.areaagencyonaging.org.
Benton Harbor High School's Robotics team members - the Tech Tigers - were up early to tell Rotary about their recent experience at the Gull Lake First Robotics competition. The team is shown in front of a banner declaring them the Chairman's Award winner for the 2019 Gull Lake District. The award cited the team's efforts to "Transform the culture of their community in ways that will inspire greater levels of respect & honor for science and technology". The team was recognized for its efforts in health and safety. The Tech Tigers are only the second team from SWMI to win the award. The award automatically qualifies the team for the next round of competition. Shown above on left of banner are Amiya, co-captain Deyisha, coach Delbert Patterson, and co-captain Tamia; on the right, the back row, from left, Coach Shannon Harris, Gerson, Daniel, and lead mentor Joseph Taylor, in front are Karl, Kenneth and Antwon. Not shown is Jacobia. The team thanked Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary for being a sponsor.
CircEsteem, a program using circus apparatus, has been improving the lives of young people in Chicago for 19 years. Now Dottie Gietler, youth leadership director for Ghostlight Theatre, announced today that a CircEsteem Summer Camp will be offered in two weeks in June 2019. Campers, ages 6-16, will be given opportunities to learn a variety of circus activities. See the short video below for an introduction.
The camp is one or two weeks, June 17-21 and June 24-28, 9 am to 4 pm, with a public performance at the end of each week. The camp costs $250 each week, free transportation is available on request. To learn more, donate or volunteer, go to www.ghostlightbh.com
Martha "Martie" Hesse is the executive director of The Ghostlight Theatre. She has been working for the past 18 months to establish her 501c3, purchasing a building at 101 Hinkley in the Arts District of Benton Harbor, connected to the local arts community, especially Paul Mow, music director of Twin City Players. After acquiring a matching grant of $50,000 from Michigan Economic Development, she raise $100,000 from local enthusiasts and businesses. A full slate of shows have been planned for this summer, starting with Bridges of Madison County opening June 13, 2019. There are tons of opportunities to participate, volunteer, donate, buy a seat with your name on it, etc. For the other shows for summer 2019 and more information click here. Martie explained that the ghostlight is the light left on so the theatre would not be completely dark.
The Ghostlight Theatre is Opening in Benton Harbor
Patti Masters is the Early Head Start Administrator for Tri-County Head Start, serving Berrein, Cass and Van Buren counties. The organization takes a "whole family" approach when dealing with clients. Interviews with clients can lead to a wide range of services such as, safe sleep information, prenatal care, and referral to other agencies. Home visits address toddlers with older children attending centers four days per week. Family members are incorporated into activities to avoid the agency being used as a babysitter. Preparing each child for the next step, preschool or kindergarten is the primary objective.There are qualifying factors but no fees. Volunteers are welcome. Click here to volunteer, learn more or donate.
Our club partnered with Countryside Academy to pilot the Reading Now program for reading improvement. One element is the library-in-the-classroom which provides an extensive selection of books right in the classroom. The teacher reports: "The majority of my classroom groups are extremely engaged in the books. For example, this week one group is reading Don't Let Pigeon Drive the Bus! This book is not only award winning (Caldecott Honor) and great for practice with reading expression, but it’s highly engaging! All kids love the pigeon books." We'll have to wait for end of year testing to see if this interest turns into students ready for third grade.
Russ Simonson is chaplain of the Berrien County Jail. He works for Forgotten Man Ministries, an organization that has chaplains in 35 counties in Michigan. For 15 years he has used a faith-based approach to helping inmates with anger management, addiction and self control. He approaches his work with a belief that only God can help someone overcome their issues. It all starts with a book cart pushed along outside the cells. That cart provides an opportunity to start a conversation with inmates. Bibles are provided on request only. Russ brings volunteers in to discuss their own life's journey to help inmates see a path forward. Faith often helps people gain power to resist temptations and stick with their plans. Mrs. Simonson works with the women inmates, which number 70 at this time. To learn more, volunteer or make a donation, click here.
This club's foundation has enrolled in Amazon Smile, a program whereby Amazon donates 0.5 % of all sales to the shopper's designated charity. It's very easy to use and offers all the great shopping possibilities, at the same prices as ordinary shopping at Amazon. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3 to start sending donations to your favorite charity.
Enter smile.amazon.com in the address bar
Log in with your regular account information
Select your charity. For our Foundation, type Rotary Club of Benton Harbor Sunrise Foundation. It should pop up as you type. Each time you sign in you are shown the charity. You can change it at any time.
That's all there is to it. Just remember to Smile before you start shopping.
Our club's own members Farai Rukunda, left, and Brian Saxton, briefed the club on initial thoughts for an international project is Farai's home village of Arnoldine, Zimbabwe. One of the ideas being studied is a chicken and egg factory. A study by the Africa University shows the possibilities. Water and arable land for growing feed are available. Many of the pieces of a project are falling in place: there is a local Rotary in Zimbabwe, there is a possible partner for a Nebraskan Rotary Club. And RI has a person dedicated to Zimbabwe at the Evanston headquarters. A critical step would be a community assessment done according to RI standards. The club encouraged Farai and Brain to continue to explore the possibilities and return for an update in a few months.
Our own Barbara Starke explained the photo as an example of Chinese medicine. The body has an extensive and complex energy system that flows throughout. When the body is in balance and healthy the energy flows easily, but blockages and interruptions cause stagnation, disease and discomfort. Ear Acupuncture is one approach that relieves stress throughout the body. It is based on the belief that points on the ear are associated with the kidney, liver, lung, nervous system and spirit. Barb is offering weekly sessions at the Yeager Cancer Center in Royalton, Wednesdays afternoons from 3-6 pm. Sessions are approximately 30 minutes long, just drop in. Appointments are not required; sessions are available for a free will offering.
The club continued its long tradition of bell ringing to raise funds for the Salvation Army. Teams of two were at each door at Walmart through out the day. People were generous with their money and their thanks. Shown below are Felicia Smith and one of her Interact members, and then Bob Elliott, left, and Bob Kynast. Thanks to the Utroskes and the Kinneys for filling in for Alan Bartlett who is recovering from surgery.
Brian Saxton attended Rotary's annual meeting in Toronto last . He thought the talk by James Marggraff offered several useful messages for our club. The talk includes Mr. Marggraff's three step method for problem solving: Clearly define the Problem to Solve (TPS), gather data, and define success and outcome measures. The video is available below and at: https://youtu.be/lSulFP3j16M
This year's Christmas party added a twist to the normal fellowship, food and carols. Each table constituted a team, with a name selected by the table, and tried to win the Christmas trivia contest. Such as: Who wrote White Christmas? Jim Bentham was the quiz master with Cindy looking on (to make sure Jim stayed on script, which he didn't!). The Big Team won, thanks primarily to Sue Scherwitz and Kyta Utroske.
Rotarians brought toys for the Wonderland Toy Store. This "store" lets selected parents shop for their families at deep discounts. Donating to the toy store has become part of our Rotary Christmas tradition.
Larry Jackson, joined by Sarah Stocker, left, and Felicia Smith announced that the Interact Club at Benton Harbor High School was ready to begin operations. The club voted to officially appoint these members to the Interact Advisory Board and approve the start of operations. There are twenty students that will be charter members. They have some projects and fundraising ideas and are ready to elect their officers. We look forward to the success of this club.
Anne is shown above between her sponsor on left, Bryan Tutton and club president Joseph Taylor during her induction ceremony. Anne is a realtor for Pier Realty. She has been active with Water Street Glassworks, Sarrett Nature Center, Box Factory for the Arts, Krasl Art Center and New Territory Arts Association. We look forward to having her artistic focus in our club. She lives in Benton Harbor.
Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary is well on its way to selling gently used treasures on eBay. Some people have been calling it a garage sale because it replaced our actual garage sale. It is much more like an estate sale. We have over 40 items (with more coming all the time!) ranging in price from $8.99 to $850.00...including precious and costume jewelry, vintage dolls, kitchen items, a sleigh, and too many unique items to list them all here. In order to access the eBay list easily, use either the hot link or scan the QR code below.
We note with great sadness the death November 7, 2018 of Bill Brambilla at age 87. His obituary gives a complete account of this wonderful man. So, I will remember Bill from his 14 years in our Rotary Club. He was our song leader and, if you never experienced him leading Row, Row, Row Your Boat, in rounds!, you missed an artist in action. Bill was also our super salesman. He would outsell everyone, whether it was Superbooks or raffle tickets; he had a unique ability to bring people to YES. Bill will be missed. He is shown above with Julie Webb during our Pumpkin Festival. The family requests memorial donations to the Logan Center for Autism , 1651 E. Nickerson Ave., Benton Harbor 49022.
Jim Gendernalik, center, is shown the president Joseph Taylor, right, and his sponsor Jim Smith. Jim is a third generation Rotarian and remembers will Rotary activities while he was growing up. Jim is a physician and co-owner of Family Physicians of St Joseph, team doctor for the Lake Michigan Catholic football team, and resides in St Joseph with his wife Sarah and two children. Welcome Jim. We look forward to your contributions to our Rotary and the community we serve. Corrected: Jim's last name was misspelled in the original story and the first corrected version. Sorry about that!!
Jerry Price is the co-chair of the one-year-old Benton Harbor Education Foundation. Much progress has been made along the way. The organization has established its 501c(3) public charity status. Community sponsors and advocates have supplied a small war chest to get the organization working on its mission, which is: to raise, steward and distribute resources to enrich the education of students in the Benton Harbor Area Schools and also the larger community. K through 12 education is our focus.
Mr. Price noted that area charter schools are excluded. Activity will take place through four processes: Large grants for 3-5 year efforts, Small Grants, Staff Development Grants and Student Grants. Thus far they have allocated $85,000, $20,000, $20,000 and $10,000, repecitively in the four areas. All activities of the organization are conducted at their website, www.bentonharboreducationfoundation.com (the .org URL was already taken). Go there to learn more, donate or volunteer.
Dr. Herrera, CEO of Benton Harbor Area Schools made his first visit to Rotary since his appointment in July 2018. The first question was on the role of technology. Dr. Herrera first mention that the school district ha s new curriculum for k-12. The role of tech is to let the teacher personalize the learning for each student. Many students are not at grade level and a tiered intervention is used. The district has eleven readingspecialist aid the teachers. Technology is used to provide time outside of class. Tier three involves additional classroom time.
The district is still 20 teachers short and using substitutes as needed. But the State Department of Education is helping by providing funds to bring teachers pay back in line after many reductions and give-backs. On average teachers will receive a $9,000 raise.
The second question was about the High School's reported issue with student fights. Dr. Herrera cited a new principal and teacher shortages as factors. Student had too much free time and would bring issues from outside into school. Fights tending to grow rather than be isolated incidents. Additional police have calmed the situation but a longer term solution is a code of conduct and working with students to build capacity for better behavior. Disruptive students are being separated from the classes.
On the water quality, Dr. Herrera said they have gone to bottled water and started testing all the fixtures. He's not aware of any problems at this time.
Q&A with Dr. Bob Herrera, Benton Harbor Area Schools
Barbara Starke shown with President Joseph Taylor during her induction ceremony. Barb is the mult-talented health professional that introduced the club to Tai Chi in August. Her full credentials are: RN, MSN, FNP-BC, HTCP/I, NADA Trainer, all those letters translate into Registered Nurse, Master’s prepared Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified; Healing Touch Program Certified Practitioner and Instructor; National Acupuncture Detoxification Association Trainer. She lives in Coloma with her husband Jeff. She looks forward to working on water and other health related projects. Bob Elliott is her sponsor. Welcome to Rotary Barb!.
Nitin Mangaldas Is past district governor for Rotary District 3141 in Mumbai India, more than 8,000 miles from Benton Harbor. He dropped in for a makeup and took a few minutes to address the club. This was his second visit to the club and expects more since he has grandkids in Stevensville. His club promotes eye care and other health initiatives. He recommended we explore a district friendship exchange which would have four or five couples from each district visit. Staying with local Rotarians makes the exchange much richer.
James "Jim" Cupper, district governor for Rotary District 6360 reminded members of the great work of Rotarians around the world. He mentioned a few of his favorites: peace fellowships, Rotary Youth Exchange and global project like polio eradication, health education, clean water, maternal health and microlending. He pointed out how all these efforts are moving the globe to Rotary’s new vision: Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
He asked the club to meet a goal of 5% net growth in membership. The district will hold a workshop to develop promotional materials to help reach the goal.
Don’t forget to register for District Conference which will be held May 16-18, 2019 at Mission Point Resort on Mackinaw Island. Special room rates are available.
President Joseph Taylor has been stressing invocations that are all inclusive. He decided to provide an example as follows:
Let us take a moment to remember all the religions represented in the Rotary family throughout the world. Let us also recall that when we were invited to join our Rotary clubs we were not asked, “Are you a Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Jew, a Buddhist, or a Sikh?” We were not asked because all religions are welcome in the Rotary family.
Please join me in a moment of reflection and thanks: With our friends beside us, And no person beneath us, With the bonds of Rotary between us, And our worries behind us, With our goals before us, And no task beyond us, With a thirst for knowledge, And a dream of a Polio-free world, We are thankful for our Rotary friends and the time we are about to share. Amen.
Our own Farsi Rukunda was joined by Veronica Jackson from Leco to discuss Fit 4 Fall, a 5K run and walk that is a mainstay of Leco’s Wellness efforts. The event started as an internal company fitness initiative in 2012. The event has evolved into a community event sponsored by Leco and Starks Family Funeral Homes. This year they hope to raise more than $10,000 for the three organizations they have selected: Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice at Home and LOGAN Autism Learning Center. A unique feature of the event is a silent auction for dinner cards and products.
This year’s event is at Riverview Park, Woodbine Lodge, October 13, 2018. Registration opens at 8 am, races begins at 9 am.
Doctors James Gendernalik and Allison Meadows of Family Physicians of St. Joseph, P.C. felt that patient care was degraded under the current insurance bureaucracy, with its heavy emphasis on data entry by doctors. They decided to break from the insurers and embrace the “direct primary care” model. In that approach the focus is on doctor-patient relationships, with increased access and more time spent with the patient. The "direct" portion means without the third party insurance company in the middle dictating choices. The practice uses telemedicine by text, email, Skype or phone to engage with patients at home or on the road. A house call is not out of the question. Those options can save trips to the office or the ER. There are a total of four doctors at Family Physicians, the only Direct Primary Care provider in the area.
DPC covers routine items and annual examinations, which is enough for most healthy people. Patients are encouraged to have high deductible insurance to cover for catastrophic events. Family Physicians charge a monthly fee of $75 for those over age 50, and $150 for families. The copay on services is $0. There are charges for blood work, drugs and radiology but there negotiated prices are about 10% of the list prices. For more information click here. .
The club recently awarded a grant to Countryside Academy to pilot the techniques recommended by the Reading Now Network. The program is titled: Readers for LIfe and will focus on one 2nd grade classroom. The funding will allow a mini-library in the classroom with specially selected books for guided reading. Having the books in the classroom will maximize the time allocated to reading. Volunteers are welcome for a once per week interaction with a student or a small group. The club hopes the project will validate the approach and thereby justify expanding to more classrooms.
Our own club’s Marcy Hamilton, a planner with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, is engaged in a project for the Ox Creek Watershed. The creek flows through Benton Township and Benton Harbor before emptying into the Paw Paw River. The creek is considered by some as the most polluted in the area. It is also prone to flash flows which destroy the creeks organisms that promote plant and fish life. Run off from Orchards Mall area is a focus area. It has 34% impervious surfaces, (roofs, streets and parking lots).
A phase I grant will begin to reduce the runoff. Brookfield Dodge will reduce its parking and replace asphalt with a green area or rain garden to hold runoff on site. Wightman Associates has made a similar swap. For more information visit www.SustainOx Creek.org.
President Joseph Taylor conducts the induction ceremony with Dathan Lumpkins. Dathan founded his own Lumpkins Private Wealth Management company after twelve years with Chase. He grew up in St. Louis and credits his mom for keeping hm busy and out of trouble. His wife Betsy and two girls complete his family. Brian Saxton is his sponsor. This is Dathan's first service experience. Welcome to Rotary!
A trio of Liji, Sherri and Chris were on hand to update the club. Liji Hanny, director of operations returned to confirm their priorities as follows:
helping kids succeed academically
encourage healthy lifestyles
provide opportunities for character and leadership development
With two locations serving 1,800 kids each year, from age 6 to 18 the club has tremendous impact.
Sherri Ulleg, communications coordinator, started as a volunteer helping with the newsletter. She mentioned several programs that addressed each priority. For Rotary, the academic programs are closest to home, such as reading, power hour and math programs.
Chris, 17, came to the club after moving from Arkansas, the death of his mom, and his father sent to prison for drug problems. He said, "without a doubt, the club saved my life." The staff took time to build a relationship. He even learned to shave in the Passport to Manhood program. He lives with his grandmother, but the club is his home away from home. He's excelling in school and looking forward to his senior year and then on to college. He also serves as Junior Staff at the youth campus, where his personal experience makes it easy for him to relate to the kids like him. The club has made him "confident, more understanding and a true leader." He asked for the photo below as a reminder of day.
Barbara Starke, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, HTCP/I, NADA Trainer, all those letters translate into Registered Nurse, Master’s prepared Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified; Healing Touch Program Certified Practitioner and Instructor; National Acupuncture Detoxification Association Trainer. That's a mouthful! Barb explained the difference between Eastern or Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. In short, The East focuses on staying healthy and the West on acute care. Barbara led the club members in a few exercises from her Tai Chi class, usually offered at the South Shore Health Club. Shown below, the club is doing "Rocky Motion". Members also followed her in "Push-Pull", extended the hads and pul them back, with right foot forward, then the left. Barbara said it was important to work both sides to keep the body in balance. Tai Chi is a calming exercise, with slow movements and relaxed breathing.
Barb is offering Stress Relief Community Ear Acupuncture and Healing Touch sessions designed to reduce paid, cravings, anxiety, distress, improve sleep & more. Sessions are 45 minutes,on Wednesdays, 3-6 pm, at Marle Yeager Cancer Center upstairs lobby, in Royalton Health Park. Walk-in only, Donations Only. For information call 269.449.4494 or 269.449.5465.
Dr. Loren Hamel, MD, president and CEO of Lakeland Health, reported excellent progress on the renovation/expansion which includes new operating rooms, new ICU, four story patient wing and relocated visitor entrance and emergency area. Interior traffic will be greatly improved, the parking garage will add one more floor and a roof for year-round covered parking. The $160 million project is 50% complete.
In other news, Dr. Hamel discussed the "integration" with Spectrum Health. Spectrum is number 1 or 2 in performance; they are committed to low cost operations; and have an insurance company. The integration will be for systems and reporting. Lakeland will retain it's own board and will make all investment decisions for changes under $10 million. Buildings will keep the Lakeland name.
Dr. Hamel explained how Medicaid works in Michigan: hospitals are assessed a contribution amount and the Federal government matches it 5 to 1. The State does not used General Fund revenues for Medicare. The current ACA reduced reimbursements but expanded enrollments. Changes under consideration now are unknown.
Our "gateway" signs on the east and west entries into Benton Harbor were recently refreshed with new signs based on the new Rotary branding guidelines. Thanks to Lee Scherwitz for making this happen and to Mike Kinney who helped with the installation.
Two new members were inducted into Rotary today; from left, Pastor Mel Burton sponsor for Sophia Mason, Sophia, Heron Plaza Rico and his sponsor president Joseph Taylor. Sophia operates her own non-profit, Self-A-Steam, focusing on teaching robotics. Heron is an engineer and Whirlpool. Welcome to Rotary!
Lisa Cripps-Downey returned to provide an update on the Berrien Community Foundation. The BCF is celebrating its 65th anniversary with $50 million in assets under management. She announced that $186,000 in scholarships were recently awarded. The variety of the scholarships reflect the donors" wishes, be it for band students, artists, or student athletes. The entire amount was funded by donors' endowments. In other news, BCF is now accepting hard assets such as houses, cars or art collections. Lisa explained that non-profits, such as our club's foundation, is eligible to establish an "Agency Fund" to access BCF services of professional investment, gifting grant processing and reporting. There are volunteer slots available for scholarship review committees, youth advisory council and more. To donate or learn more visit the website by clicking here.
From left, Julie, Eddie, Lee, Dyann, Michael, Brian and Dave were on the assembly line to rehab the racing pumpkins for use in the Great Pumpkin Festival Race/Raffle. Also helping were Sue, Cindy and Bob.
Momono Sakura, on the left with two friends from St. Joe High, returned to her host club to make her final presentation. Her highlights were too numerous to recount here but a few will probably stick with her for a long time. She loved: shopping in South Bend; traveling to Chicago for a Cubs game and the stage performance of Hamilton; visiting Disney World, the Grand Canyon and more. She took pride in offering a Japanese Culture Class at school. The shyness she exhibited on her arrival last July was completely absent this time. She reported that she had performed a Japanese dance at the recent RYE talent show. She had words of praise and love for her two host moms, Kelly and Kim. She plans to offer an English language course when she returns to Japan. Shown below she was recognized by president Joseph Taylor for her fine presentation.
Dr. Trevor Kubatzke has been president of Lake Michigan College for nearly a year. He made his first visit to Rotary to present an update on the college. He was happy to find his new college had the lowest tuition within 100 miles, was ready to open its viticulture center with 25 students, offered a residence hall with apartment style rooms, including laundry. The college also is ready to close on the purchase of the Western Michigan University building on the campus. It will become the business education center. Classrooms are also changing to offer live, live streaming and stored video for later review and study. A flat tire will not cause a student to miss class! Three classrooms are now operational; plans are to update all the classrooms. LMC awarded its first bachelor degree. Benton Harbor promise students are doing much better with the Start to Finish initiative.
President Joseph Taylor, in response to an inquiry for a club member, explained that Juneteenth, is a shortened form of June 19th. The day celebrates that date in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to declare the end of the Civil War and issue an order freeing all of the slaves in Texas. The announcement was two and one-half years after Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1865. The date is commonly called "Freedom Day". A murdered messenger is one possible explanation for the delay. Louisiana slave owners had moved to Texas to continue operating their plantations with slave labor.
Joe quoted president Trump's June 19, 2018 announcement as follows: "As a Nation we vow to never forget the millions of African Americans who suffered the evils of slavery. Together we honor the unbreakable spirit ad countless contributions of generations of African Americans to the story of American Greatness."
Twenty States celebrate Juneteenth as an official holiday.
Capt. Rockey Adams hosted the club at the Berrien County Emergency Management Operations Center. The main tactical room is filled with communications equipment organized in clusters. During an emergency the clusters are filled with personnel involved with a particular aspect, for example, health, or first responders. Rockey took the opportunity to make us aware of two tools each member may want to add to their side, namely Smart 911 and B-Ware (Short for Berrien Awareness). See the images below. Click here for more information.
Joseph Taylor, right, president elect of the our club, presents Rick Villa, president of St. J-BH, a sign to recognize St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary on the 100th anniversary of its charter. Several members of the club joined a host of Rotarians in the celebration and to hear Rotary International president Ian Risley's keynote address. (Photo courtesy of Bill Langbehn, Langbehn Communication Services)
The club had several new books left in our store room so we made an extra distribution. The poster above and several individual thank yous were shared at our club meeting.
President Joseph Taylor announced that the board of directors for the Benton Harbor Area Schools approved the formation of an Interact Club at the high school. A committee will be formed to help establish a chapter next school year
Dave Boelke, shown in full "hunter's orange", with rifle and backpack, just as he wore setting out to hunt elk in Colorado. Dave's father introduced him to elk hunting in 1973. He's made annual trips to continue the tradition. He wanted a more intense experience so in 2016 he booked a "deep camp" trip with an outfitter. He planned to spend a week with another hunter in a cabin about four hours by horseback from the outfitter's base camp. It was November at an altitude above 10,000 feet. On the first morning, he and his fellow hunter made a plan to rendezvous at a selected landmark about 3hrs away. Dave planned to circle right, his partner would circle left, both men looking for signs of movement by elk or bears. Dave overshot the landmark and after a while realized the cold night was quickly approaching. His backpack had all the normal equipment" gps, compass, snacks, matches, water, mirror and Kindle ebook reader. He built a fire and planned to head back in the morning. He refused to panic. The gps, which Dave had depended on to navigate the forest, had a dead battery. Without that device he had no idea which way it was to the cabin. He decided to stay put until he was rescued. Dave's hunting buddy reported him lost the next morning. Eventually Dave saw the helicopters and moved in their direction. The search party that grew to 43 people and ten helicopters took three days to see the shimmering reflection off Dave's mirror. Dave was hungry and dehydrated but otherwise OK. Dave plans to add fresh batteries to his emergency kit.
President Elect Joseph Taylor, left, is shown received the president's pin from Brian Saxton. Joe will officially take the reins on July 1st. This was the culmination of Installation Night which included Brian's review of a great club year under his leadership. He named Alice Ford his Rotarian of the Year for her innovative "garage sale" to raise funds for polio eradication.
Rachel Cram, with sponsor Lee Scherwitz, left, and president Brain Saxton is shown during her induction ceremony. Rachel is a former Rotary Youth Exchange participant, spending a year in France. Rachel is a financial analyst at Whirlpool and lives in St. Joseph. Welcome to Rotary.
If you fly the flag on Memorial Day please follow the procedure: (Courtesy of Joshua Claybourn, usmemorialday.org)
"In traditional observance, the flag of the United States is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon, their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all."
Scott Chrispell, manager of electronics research & engineering, had the answer to our question. LECO is a shortened version of Laboratory Equipment Corporation. The company was founded by Carl Shultz and George Krasl in 1936. Today descendants Carl and Chris Warren manage this family owned business with 600 employees in southwest Michigan and 1,400 world wide. LECO’s first product was an analyzer that measured the carbon content of steel, a very important parameter. LECO continued to focus on analytical instruments that focused on increasing quality of production or efficiency. Their reputation and expertise led to expansion in to other production areas. Today they make equipment for metals, energy, mining, food and managing the environment. LECO is vertically integrated, making it own enclosures, controls, electronics, sensors, software and more. Of course today they have apps for iPhones for remote access and management. Scott described the new building going up on Hilltop road as a customer experience center. Last year was LECO’s first entry in the Great Bed Race put on by Rotary and Slumberland. Scott is promising a faster bed this year and a team that will be better prepared for the competition.
Marcy Hamilton is shown during her induction ceremony between her sponsor Mike Kinney, left, and president Brian Saxton. Marcy is the Deputy Director/Senior Planner for the South west Michigan Planning Commission. She lives in St. Joseph with her 15 year old daughter. She is a member of Preserve the Dunes and Watershed Council, is a founding board member of Sustainable Business Forum, and has been actively promoting clean water, beaches and rivers. Welcome to Rotary.
Our own club's Bryan Tutton just loves putting his tractor to work, Below shows the Fresh Start Children's Garden are Bryan prepared it for this year's planting season. He also prepped the community gardens near Abundant Life and AIM Churches.
Bryan also works with local business and the First Church of God to plant flowers in the City Center Park and the Arts District. Local businesses provide financial support and church members plant the flowers. The photo below is from a recent HP edition.
Tara Gillette is executive director for the Area Agency on Aging. She is also the instructor/facilitator for the new Aging Mastery Program, a ten week course focused on health, financial security and overall well being. Course attendees also make new friends and learn new skills. The next course runs in St. Joseph on Thursdays, 1-2:30 pm, June 21 through August 23, 2018. Fee $99, Scholarships available. Another course will begin in September. Contact Tara at 269.408.4369 or taragillette@areaagencyonaging.org.
Aicha Camera, on left, and Momono Sakura, shown with Lee Schewitz, shortly after Momono arrived from Japan last August. Aicha had just returned from a year in Japan so they bonded in a special way. Aicha is now attending University of Florida studying International Relations. She earned a 4.0 in her first semester. Momono and Aicha spent the meeting speaking in Japanese and enjoyed sharing their experiences.
The club's Foundation presented grants to eight organizations. The awards went to Benton Harbor High School, Readiness Center, Children's Fresh Start Garden, Junior Achievement, Lory's Place, Countryside Academy, Toys for the Needy and Benton Harbor Public Library. Shown above, from left, Lee Scherwitz (foundation president), Emma Kinnard, Audrey Lester, Becki Tomsheck, Eddie Marshall, Katie Boyer, Stephanie Kohler, Pat Miller, Brian Saxton (club president), Sister Pualita and Martha Thieneman.
Lee Scherwitz, part of the Lest We Forget organization, announced plans for the June 23-24, 2018 event. The event will move from the airport to edge of the Paw Paw river between the LaFarge cement operations and M-63. This year will feature the Spirit of America wall covering 1775 to present. There will be beach landings and rides in landing craft both days. Medal of Honor winners, helicopter rides, hands-on WWII camp and veteran stories are all part of the event. Click here for event website.
Our own club's Farai Rukunda is shown along side the school being constructed in his home village in Zimbabwe. A recent fundraising dinner and additional donations raised $6,000 for books and desks. See the coverage in the Zimbabwe News, click here.
Lee Scherwitz, center, is shown with students from Hull International displaying their new books. This year the students selected their own book from a range of topics and interests. The program is supported by a District 6360 grant. Sue Scherwitz assisted with the book distribution. Photo by Sue.
Our own Bob Gifford presented his third and final installment of local electricity. The image above is a schematic of the type of reactor at the Cook plant. It features three completely separate circulating systems: from left, the reactor loop, the generator loop and the cooling loop. Bob reported that AEP plans to continue operating the plant even if a few others are closing theirs. Bob was selected by AEP to oversee the construction and establish the control systems. The sheer size of the equipment made the project unique. Most of the central elements were brought in by barge. AEP established a rule for the design that it must always be under the control of a human operator. Hard copies of operating manuals are always nearby. They have computer aids and instruments but the actual decision making is done by a human operator. The plant had several safety system upgrades after the Fukushima tidal wave event.
From left, Gershon, Tamia, Dyesha and Daniel, representatives from Benton Harbor High School's FIRST Robotics team #1940, won an award for Most Creative design and were also cited for the simplicity of their design. The team didn't have enough practice to do well at the St. Joe district competition but learned from the experience to excel at Gull Lake, placing in the top group and advancing to the quarterfinals. Dyesha was the team leader and she felt learning to trust team members was her most important leadership insight. As Joe Taylor said, this truly is a "sport for the mind".
President Elect Joseph Taylor completed PETS and was certified by district 6360 as qualified for his term as president for 2018-2019. Cindy Kinney, president-nominee, also completed the training.
Joseph Taylor Certified for 2018-2019 Presidential Term
Sister Paulita and Martha Thieneman from the Readiness Center made a return visit to Rotary. Martha provided an overview in preparation for sister Paulita's final year in 2018-2019. Our Foundation has provided three grants to aid the efforts of the Readiness Center. For thirty-five years Sister Paulita has been preparing youth for school. Along the way she expanded her efforts to include parents and teens, working to produce successful citizens through education. She puts in a little fun and work to make sure the education is well rounded. She serves about one-hundred families. All her services are free; the teens must volunteer to mentor or do housekeeping to earn their place in City Kids afternoon program. Many of her charges are with the center through out their entire school years. How well do her students do? They do great! with 97% graduating high school. Learn more, donate or volunteer by clicking here. St. John's Catholic Church allows the use of the Readiness center rent and utilities free.
Bill Wolf, Berrien County administrator, experienced his first emergency in his 13 years on the job. Recent flooding put 300 people out of their homes and activated the county's emergency response network. Shown below is the emergency operations center. The center, located at 2100 Empire, has a permanent staff but becomes home for county and state resources, such as: public safety, health, logistics and other inter-agency personnel.
The flooding did $3 million worth of damage to roads, and drains. There was another $5 in damage to private property.
In other news, Mr. Wolf said work is continuing at the jail and a new county Paw Paw River Park will begin this year.
Dyann Chenault, club secretary, has accepted the additional position of Assistant Governor Elect for our region. In other news, the club board appointed Larry Jackson chairman of the New Generations Committee and member of the board of directors. Larry will serve out the current term of Mike Scheffler. Larry's first priority is recruiting candidates for the RYLA Camp this July. Congratulations to Dyann and Larry on their appointments.
Bob Elliott and Jim Smith presented new books at Mildred Wells Academy. Above, first graders show off their new books donated by Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary. The books belong to the student to take home. Below Kindergartners show Jim Smith the book they selected. Books will be delivered to all pre-K, K and 1st graders in all Benton Harbor Area Schools and all charters in the next few weeks.
Larry Adams, past-president of Charlotte Rotary, and assistant governor, related how his club started a satellite club after Rotary International provided for them in the latest changes to club constitutions. It was a three year journey for this "old, white, male". They needed eight members to start the satellite; four came from the sponsoring club, four others were recruited. Selecting an evening time slot (5:30-6:30 pm) and meeting at a pub, with meal and drinks optional, made the club attractive to younger professionals. The club has 17 members now. Fundraising is limited to funding small projects. Dues are $160. Check out the FAQ on Satellites Clubs at RI, click here.
Elena, on left, and Anna from the Lake Michigan Catholic Interact Club were at our meeting to announce the 4th Annual College Game Night. The March 18th event coincides with the early rounds of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Drop in the Watermark Brewing Company in Stevensville any time from 1-5 pm for TV, games and beverages. Tickets are $15. The brewery will also donate $1 for each pint sold during the event. The proceeds will go to this year's mission trip to the Dominican Republic in June. The brewery is at 5781 St. Joseph Ave in the Village of Stevensville, just south of John Beers road (how appropriate!).
Joe Taylor, president elect and Cindy Kinney, president nominee, just completed pre-PETS training. Joe presented three ideas that might foster more participation:
Create a satellite club
Promote Ted Talks for content and possibly as make-ups (TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks; 18 minutes or less. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages)
Live stream our meetings. Post in our You Tube channel (yes, we do have our own You Tube channel).
These ideas will need further discussion and changes to our bylaws. Stay Tuned!
Joe finished by showing Michael Pritchard's amazing Life Saver Bottle, which turns even the dirties water into pure drinking water. See it at the link below.
Jim Maier, president of Lakeshore Rotary Club is pursuing Rotary International's goal of planting one tree for each member to improve the environment. Jim is a long time golfer and decided to combine his love of golf with his desire to meet RI's goal. He knew that Berrien Hills golf course lost 150 trees to Elm Borer disease and made that the place to plant Rotary's trees. The course is happy to have the trees and will help plant the trees. After much research Jim found a supplier with small trees for only $4.50 each. They even offered to deliver the trees to Rotary for free. That made the project financially attractive and he went to work on the labor side. He recruited Lakeshore's high school golf coach to have team members help with the project. The Interact club will also pitch in. Jim is working to complete the project by Earth Day, April 22, 2018. The Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotarians will participate on an individual basis.
Jay Fettig, owner of the North Pier Brewing Company, shows off the results of the canning line installed last year. Jay said you can now find North Pier brews in most locations in southwest Michigan. (He's still working to get into Meijer's.) He noted that his sister owns the North Shore Inn which will open with a new manager as soon as the renovation is complete. Don't expect the burgers to change as long time cook John Howe will still be flipping burgers.
President Brian Saxton is shown on right below presenting a check to Jim Paul of Slumberland Furniture. The check is the proceeds of the 2017 Great Bed Race and will be used to provide beds to the needy in the community.
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Next up was Megan from Upton Middle School Interact Club.
Megan was on hand to receive a donation to their club. The club is raising matching funds for a grant to place additional playground equipment at Countryside's Youth Campus.
The evening concluded with a trivia contest. Mike Kinney had 15 tough questions for the crowd. The winning table is shows off their trophy below, clockwise are Kyra and Dan Utroske, Bob Elliott and Pam Pappas. The winners also went home with beer and chocolates.
Special thanks to Mike and Cindy Kinney for a great 5th Wednesday experience.
Our own Bob Gifford told the story of electricity starting from Benjamin Franklin. Below are a few of the inventions Bob highlighted for us. (The list if from the historical archive web site - I couldn't take notes fast enough to keep up with Bob)
1752 By tying a key onto a kite string during a storm, Ben Franklin, proved that static electricity and lightning were the same.
1800 First electric battery invented by Alessandro Volta.
1808 Arc lamp invented by Humphry Davy.
1820 Separate experiments by Hans Christian Oersted, A.M. Ampere, and D.F.G. Arago confirmed the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
1821 The first electric motor was invented by Michael Faraday. (Bob didn't mention this but it very important)
1835 Joseph Henry invented the electrical relay, used to send electrical currents long distances.
1837 Thomas Davenport invented the electric motor, an invention that is used in most electrical appliances today.
1876 Charles Brush invented the “open coil” dynamo (or generator) that could produce a study current of electricity.
1879 After many experiments, Thomas Edison invented an incandescent light bulb that could be used for about 40 hours without burning out. By 1880 his bulbs could be used for 1200 hours.
1881 The electric streetcar was invented by E.W. v. Siemens
1882 Edward Johnson first put electric lights on a Christmas tree. (This wasn't in Bob's presentation but I couldn't leave it out.)
1883 Nikola Tesla invented the “Tesla coil”, a transformer that changes electricity from low voltage to high voltage making it easier to transport over long distances.
1893 The Westinghouse Electric Company used an alternating current (AC) system to light the Chicago World’s Fair.
Bob spoke of how Edison and Westinghouse battled to established their preferred approach. Edison wanted DC distribution and Westinghouse preferred AC. The AC approach won because it could distribute power much further with greater efficiency.
Bob then brought the discussion closer to home. He noted that by 1900 Berrien County had an extensive urban rail system to provide transportation. Power was also available for public lights.
Bob had to pause his presentation here but promised to return with more local history of electricity through out the area.
The directors of the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Foundation, appointed by the club last December, met for the first time in 2018. The first order of business was the election of officers for calendar year 2018. The officers are:
Lee Scherwitz, president
Dave Bly, vice-president
Ellen Russell, secretary
Bob Elliott, treasurer
The other directors are Mel Burton, Alice Ford and Mike Kinney.
The foundation begins the year with the following fund balances:
Our own Ellen Russell, with 14 years of Head Start experience, said a huge change had taken place this school year. Resources were shifted from centers to home visitation. This was specifically targeting the 0-3 years old children, with the belief that theses early years are very important to ultimate outcomes. The program has a special reading curriculum, includes pre-school practice, helps with parents education and builds resiliency skills. See the short video below on this final element. Parents are also taught to advocate for their children. Head Start requires a 25% local match to the Federal funds, so please consider donating or volunteering.
Becki Tomsheck, program manager, has 20 years experience in training. In 2017 she decided to put that experience to work for Junior Achievement. JA trains in three areas: financial literacy, workplace readiness and entrepreneurship. The model brings experienced business volunteers into classroom to go through JA's excellent educational materials. The work is all supported by donations and includes many classroom volunteers. 140 classes are planned for the spring, starting in March. Why not join in? Training will take place February 13 from 1-3 pm. To enroll or ask about other volunteer opportunities write to becki.tomsheck@ja.org.
The club's board of directors appointed the following members to serve as directors of the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Foundation for the 2018 calendar year.
Dave Bly
Mel Burton
Bob Elliott
Alice Ford
Mike Kinney
Ellen Russell
Lee Scherwitz
These directors will elect their officers in January.
Philip Freeman, superintendent of Lakeshore Public Schools, was at Rotary as a spokesperson for the Reading Now Network. The network is the result of efforts at a regional level to improve results. Superintendents in the ISD cooperate to drive results. They determined that five key principles are necessary
Uncompromising focus on reading
Data used deeply
Shared leadership - Sustained commitment
Classroom management focused on learning
Collective responsibility for every child's success
Along the way they learned it's not about:
Class size
Condition of building
District size
Building size
Technology resources
Principal's resume
A Specific Program
A Special reading intervention
What children need is 90 minutes of reading every day. Current Initiatives include professional development, principal coaching, lab schools and classroom libraries. This last item adds 30 minutes of reading time to each day by eliminating trips to the media center. Books on the buses also increasing reading.
The club's foundation - Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Foundation - is pleased to announce the recipients of two Alumni Scholarship Awards. The funds were made available by alumni donors who were inspired by the resurgence of the Tigers under Coach Uzelac. The scholarships go to Eusean Jennings and Willie Roberson. Mr. Jennings had the highest GPA and Mr. Roberson was team MVP. Both winners are seniors from last season's football team and plan to on to college. They were recommended by coach Uzelac and Mr. Slivensky. We appreciate the assistance of new athletic director Tray Crusciel in this process.
Momono Sakura is the club's Rotary Youth Exchange student from Higashiouni, Japan, a town the size of Kalamazoo, located about 2 hours southwest of Tokyo. Her first love in running. She won a medal in the Rotary Pumpkin 5k shortly after her arrival and joined the track and cross-country team. Her family includes her father, a welder, her mother, city commissioner, and an older sister. She attends an online school in Japan and is in the 10th grade at St. Joseph High School. She used an innovative way to talk about Japanese culture: she conducted a survey, asking students at school to vote on several suggestions, such as rice, cherry blossom trees, sushi and many more. On rice, she said it is part of each meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner. She noted that her last name means Cherry Blossom. Sushi was the number one association students had with Japanese culture.
Dan Utroske and Rhonda Pallas are shown at Wal-Mart in Benton Harbor. Rotarians were at both doors all day. People were generous and filled the kettles. Thanks to all the bell ringers and to Alan Bartlett for organizing the event.
Becki Tomsheck has spent twenty years training others, at Whirlpool and now at Junior Achievement. JA offers classes in their three pillars of business education: financial literacy, workforce development and entrepreneurship. Becki will be training volunteers on February 13 for the 140 classes that are planned to start in March. The training provides all the materials and tips for being successful in the classroom. She will also be doing special training for JA-in-a-Day at Steam Academy on February 16th. Training will be based on the need of volunteers for that day. If you would like more information or sign up for the training write to becki,tomsheck@ja.org. Becki also encourages everyone to participate Achieve-A-Bowl in the spring.
Darrin Drollinger, Executive Director, was our host at the International Headquarters of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, whose logo appears above. The ASABE is an educational and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Founded in 1907 and headquartered in St. Joseph, Michigan, ASABE comprises members in more than 100 countries. They publish three peer-reviewed journals and a bi-monthly member magazine. The conference room had several models of farm equipment on display, this being the principle area of activity of most of the members.Thanks to Dolores Landeck, Director of Public Affairs, for arranging our visit.
On to the Christmas party; with a buffet dinner provided by Lee Sherwitz and Patrice Grant with many elfs helping too. The evening finished with Christmas carols. See part of the gang below.
The club took the opportunity of the meeting to collect donations for the Wonderland Toy Store. The night's haul is shown below.
Julie Webb is shown at the end of a table full of Thanksgiving Day fixings. The club assembled 16 baskets for needy families. Members brought items and then filled baskets in an assembly line fashion. One trip down the table, with one of this and two of that until the basket was full. Thanks to all the members, to Bob Gifford for organizing, to Monte Packaging for donating the baskets and for Kyra Utroske for the cards and table runners.
Rotarians were out in the community providing dictionaries to every third grader in the Benton Harbor Area Schools and all the area charter schools. Each dictionary has a place for the student's name and is presented by a Rotarian. This year the dictionaries also have Rotary's Four Way Test printed on a label. Thanks to Jim Smith and Sharyn Kaatz for organizing this project.
State representative Kim LaSata made her first visit to Sunrise Rotary. She attended Lake Michigan Catholic High School and returned many years to teach fifth grade. Ten years later she made her first run for elected office. Now she is chair of the higher education committee with responsibility for 15 campuses. She also serves on the agriculture and health committees. Her first legislation addressed homeowners falsely claiming homestead exemptions, assessing back taxes and fines. Her ed committee uses performance metrics to allocate up to 50% of the college annual budgets. She expects to review and revise these metrics during this term. Discussions are also focused on municipal pensions, gun control and free speech on campus. Some of these topics will result in future legislation.
Dr. Terry McIlvaine says that frequently asking that question may indicate a loss of hearing. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent health condition with links to diabetes, depression and dementia. The gradual decline is often not noticed but the loss never gets better. One Rotarian volunteered that he was checked last year and found he needed help with his hearing. A baseline evaluation is recommended even if you don't think you have issues.
Terry also had exciting news. Professional Hearing has a commitment from the Starky Foundation to offer free hearing aids to those in need. Plans are being made for the one-day event to held in May of 2018. Rotary members are asked to identify possible recipients for early screening and qualification. Details are still being finalized so check their website early next year for event date and qualification procedures at www.prohear.net
Kevin Edlefson, a member of the Providence World Ministry, is part of a project called La Providencia in Honduras. Orphans are removed from traditional institutions and joined to existing families in a new community structure. The families are recruited to be long term residents which provides two important things to orphans: a two parent household and stability. Four houses have been built along with a school and a clinic. Families grow coffee, bananas and tilapia for food and sale. The village is adding housing for widows to provide the "aunts" and "grandparents" for the orphans. Rotary International has provided a $250,000 global matching grant to provide school supplies and housing needs. Every $1 donated will be matched by $3.50 from Rotary. Click here to learn more or donate. For more information contact the Sacramento Rotary at claytonlee7@gmail.com .
Our own Kyra Utroske, an artist with a studio at 210 Water Street, explained the Benton Harbor Art Hop. The hop is organized by New Territory Arts Association. Every four months, the businesses in the Benton Harbor Arts District choose a Friday to host an Art Hop. It’s a family-friendly evening filled with an entertaining mix of art, music, dance, theater, culinary arts and more. Come check out the multiple venues along the walkable Arts District streets. Be sure to meet Mert Unger, the new Artist-in-Residence at the Glassworks. Meet your neighbors, talk with business owners and see impressive art. These popular events truly connect people with NTAA’s belief that “Art Builds Community.” No admission charge, 6-9 pm.
The next two events are October 20 and December 8, 2017
Art Hop Building Community Oct 20 & Dec 8, 2017
Marian Prince, PhD, has made four trips to Nepal to improve math education. Now she is collaborating with Choice Humanitarian to provide 50 advanced TI graphing calculators to teach difficult topics, one each for 50 middle and high school teachers in the village of Lamjung. These tools allow the teachers to go beyond plugging values into formulas. Her goal is $7,000 for the next trip. To learn more or donate to the Nepal Calculator Project click here. Marian was advised to contact a Rotary club in Nepal and to pursue an RI grant.
Marian also works locally. Through her position at Andrews University she has developed Math in a Box, a mixture of math games to improve math skills. The Box is available for temporary use reserving a box at Andrews; click here. The box is delivered to any school in Berrien County.
Rhonda Pallas is the Center Director for Tri County Head Start on McCord in Benton Harbor. Ellen Russell is her sponsor. Rhonda lives in Stevensville. She has been active with the Road to Life food pantry and Right to Life. Welcome Rhonda!
First graders at Countryside Early Learning Center received iPads from Rotary and Toys for the Needy. Eleven students and parents signed up and were on hand to receive their iPads. The devices have apps and links to promote increased reading and math skills. The program was made possible by grants from Rotary District 6360 and Getman Corporation, Bangor, MI. Photo by Don Campbell, Herald Palladium Staff .
This selfie shows, from left, Mike Scheffler, Larry Culby and Lee Scherwitz below the rail they installed at the MLK playground. The rail had to be removed and welded before it could be put back into service. Well done to the A-Team!
Julia Gourley, Executive Director of Krasl Art Center, on left, and Tami Miller, Curator of Art & Education, were welcomed by president Brian Saxton. The speakers were on hand to introduce their latest public art initiative. Every five years the center takes on a major project. This time involves re-configuring the plaza area to incorporate an arch designed by Richard Hunt. See photo below for a model of the arch with the artist. The final piece will be 20 feet tall and encourage visitors to linger, take photos and stage events. The total project cost is $1.7 million. Ground breaking is planned for April 2018. Donations are now being accepted to match a $50,000 challenge grant. Click here to donate.
President Brian Saxton, on right in each group, presents Paul Harris Fellow awards to, from left, Bob McFeeter, Carol Bly and Larry Culby. These awards were part of Jim Smith's dollar-for-dollar matching challenge.
The team from Jimmy Johns won the 2017 Great Bed Race. They overcame an early loss to defeat Lakeland ER twice for the win. The race had new teams from Leco and United Federal Credit Union and Lakeland ER. Returning teams were: Abonmarche, Elks, Home Depot, Lakeland Homecare, Lakeland Building Services, Starks, FOP and Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary. Leco won the fundraising award and a first round bye.
Elizabeth McCree, Esq. returned to Benton Harbor after Spelman College, law school and legal practice in Georgia. In 2013 she was a prosecutor in the family courts and saw how it takes four systems - school, welfare, mental health and justice - working together to put young people on the path to success. She recently open a practice in Benton Harbor and recognized a need for more lawyers to replace the retiring generation. This eventually lead to her plans to conduct a summer camp in 2018. The camp would be open to all Berrien County residents grades 9 to 12, plus those graduated in last two years. The camp will be intensive, with three weeks of activities including two field trips. She is drawing in state and local resources to put on the camp. Scholarships will be available. Contact her at attorneymccree@outloook.com if you would like to help her with this important endeavor.
Turn out was Great. myTeamTriumph had a Great event. Bob Gifford's audio-visual extravaganza was Great. Jon Wallace our emcee was Great. Everyone had a Great time. Check out the photos here. Thanks to all Rotarians, volunteers, and sponsors that made the event possible. Results are posted here.
Jim Smith's efforts to promote Paul Harris Fellows added two more awards. Shown above Felicia Smith and Mike Scheffler receive their first awards from president Brian Saxton, These latest awards add to the awards presented during our visit to Morton House Museum; to Dyann Chenault, her first, and repeat winners, Alice Ford, Pam Pappas and Bob Elliott. Felecia's award was a surprise gift from her tablemates.
The club moved its regular breakfast meeting to enjoy an evening at the Morton House Museum. President Brian Saxton was starting a new tradition to do something different on the four months each year that have five Wednesdays. The visit included a meal organized by Patrice Grant with Lee Scherwitz at the grill and members providing sides and dessert. A docent of the museum provided some history of the Morton Shipping company and the toys they also manufactured. A tour of the home concluded the visit.
Quincy and Desirae are shown at Rotary Youth Leadership Academy Camp. The relaxed pose is surprising since the camp puts everyone in learning situations. Thanks to Mike Scheffler, new generations chairman, for getting our students to RYLA Camp.
Rotarians and friends completed most of the repairs to make the MLK playground ready for students. Several pieces were removed and replaced. Lee Scherwitz took the track ride - a 12 foot section - for repair that was beyond hand tools. See more images in the MLK Playground photo album, click here.
Momono, center, is between Aicha, who spent a last year in Japan, and Lee Scherwitz, district and club Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) Chairman. Momono just arrived from Japan but she had already met many members during the Rotary sailing adventure. Welcome, Momono! Best wishes for a wonderful RYE year in America and Southwest Michigan.
Graham Bryan is shown receiving his club banner from president Brian Saxton during his induction into Rotary. This banner is the last of its kind as the club will design a new banner that conforms to the new Rotary design guidelines. Graham is from the UK and works at Chase as a private client banker. He is married to Meghan and admitted to having a unique family situation: one in college and one in diapers. Jim Smith is Graham's sponsor. Welcome Graham.
Our own club's Jim Smith was our presenter this week. Jim's passion is The Rotary Foundation. Under Rotary president Arch Klumph the foundation was started in 1917. But the start was slow, awarding its first $500 grant in 1930. After the 1947 death of founder Paul Harris, however, memorial donations eclipsed $1 million dollars. The idea of the Paul Harris Fellowship continues this tradition of memorial donations for "doing good in the world." Jim offered to use his points to match donations dollar-for-dollar to help all club members reach their first or next Paul Harris level of $1,000. Many checks were written that day. Way to go Jim!
Aicha Camara's Japanese still flows freely after a week at home from her Rotary Youth Exchange year in Yokohama, Japan. Today's presentation was more about the personal elements of her experience. When she agreed to the program she had two goals: become a confident public speaker and overcome her fear of roller coasters. She started right speaking at the meeting of outbound students last July and during her time in Japan she made monthly presentation at her host district meetings, in Japanese. She clearly exceeded that goal. The roller coast took more time but she road a few world class coaster during her last month in Japan. Aicha plans to work for a year and then pursue a college degree in International Studies, with a minor in Japanese. Shown below she hugs a school friend and presents a flags from her hosts.
A joyous Alan Bartlett was joined by several club members in the mid summer highway clean up. The crew, back row from left, Lee, grandson, Sue, Julie, Brian, Alan, and Dyann, front row, Lyn, new member Michael, Mike and Kyra, not shown are Dan Utroske and Bob Mc Feeter who skipped the after party. Photo by North Shore staff.
Rev. Dr. Oscar Varnadoe III retired from the Chicago school system and felt a calling to serve the community in Benton Harbor. His new church is part of the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. His church is a "restart", taking the old Gothic church near Pipestone and Broadway. He said he could relate to Rotary's motto of Service Above Self, since he views that as Christ's command to His followers. He is building a congregation and trying to learn how he can serve the community. Welcome, Senior Pastor Varnadoe III.
Michael Mason, center, was inducted into Rotary by president Brian Saxton, right. Michael's sponsor and co-worker is Farai Rukunda, both from Leco Corporation.
Brian Saxton recalled his military days when "Hail and Farewell" events marked the arrival of new soldiers and the departure of friends. Today we had the opportunity to say Hail to Aicha just returned from her year in Japan and Farewell to Jazz who will be going home to Germany next week. The picture below of Aicha is from a haunted house, one of her last adventures in Japan. Jazz loved San Francisco and marveled at the hilly terrain of the city. The club provided Jazz with a check for her last minute expenses for gifts, etc.
Several Rotarians and sorority sisters from Alpha Kappa Alpha spruced up our Rotary Park at Chicago and Linden. Several children played around us and waited patiently for their favorite equipment. Their presence was our reward for the service. Thanks to the "soros" for their help.
A'Keydra Abrams is a patient advocate for the Sickle Cell Disease Association. The disease exists in communities of color especially African-Americans that may inherit the gene from their African ancestors. Sickle Cell is a disease of the blood, causing poor circulation, lack of oxygen, pain and jaundice. Flare ups often interrupt school and work and can be life-threatening. All new-borns are tested for the trait. A'Keydra spends her days counseling families, visiting patients at the hospital and spreading the word throughout the community. Her organization has offices at the health department; funding is by the State of Michigan and grants.
Elizabeth Ann Jorgensen, this year's Miss SwMi Teen 2017, is a junior at Eau Claire High School and taking classes at LMC. She's a runner, musician and active member of her youth group. As Miss Teen 2017, Elizabeth has returned to her 6th grade experiences of seeing Miguel be stricken with Lukemia. She did fundraising and provide support for the family until he was in remission and returned to the 8th grade. That experience made her selection of children's cancer an easy choice for her platform. Her research showed that 250 children die each day from cancer. Many survive only to have recurrences later in life. Now she promotes Angels of Hope, (support@angelsofhope.com 586.226.3146), a non-profit that helps families deal with childhood cancer. Even the best health insurance leaves the family with many expenses, such and travel, hotels and meals. Angels of Hope is able to help.
Miss SwMi Teen 2017 Dedicated to Reducing Childhood Cancer
Patrice Grant passed the baton to incoming president Brian Saxton. It's official on July 1, 2017. Members gathered at the Grille at Harbor Shores for the annual ritual. Patrice thanked the club for its support during her term. She cited Bob Elliott and Bob Kynast for all they do for the club. Brian Saxton said he is ready for his second term as president. He asked each officer to stand as he announced those who will serve with him during the 2017-2018 club year. The new officers are listed in the story here.
Brian Saxton, president
Joseph Taylor, president-elect
Mike Scheffler, president-nominee
Dyann Chenault, secretary
Debbie Goforth, treasurer
Dan Utroske, chair of club admin committee
Alan Bartlett, chair of service projects committee
Mike Scheffler, chair of new generations committee
Farai Rakunda, chair of membership committee
Kyra Utroske, chair of public image committee
Eddie Marshall, chair of fundraising and foundation committee
Brian Saxton, president
Joseph Taylor, president-elect
Mike Scheffler, president-nominee
Dyann Chenault, secretary
Debbie Goforth, treasurer
Dan Utroske, chair of club admin committee
Alan Bartlett, chair of service projects committee
Mike Scheffler, chair of new generations committee
Farai Rakunda, chair of membership committee
Kyra Utroske, chair of public image committee
Eddie Marshall, chair of fundraising and foundation committee
Brian Saxton, president
Joseph Taylor, president-elect
Mike Scheffler, president-nominee
Dyann Chenault, secretary
Debbie Goforth, treasurer
Dan Utroske, chair of club admin committee
Alan Bartlett, chair of service projects committee
Mike Scheffler, chair of new generations committee
Farai Rakunda, chair of membership committee
Kyra Utroske, chair of public image committee
Eddie Marshall, chair of fundraising and foundation committee
Larry Culby stepped in for the absence of our speaker to tell us about the MSU Extension services just down the street from his home on Hillandale in Benton Harbor. The Extension has 300 acres it uses for research on fruits and vegetables. It uses more than 500 experiments each year to evaluate seeds, watering methods, fertilizers and other factors of production. The results are presented to growers and consumers at regular sessions. This year's fruit is looking good after a scare in the spring. The Extension is open to the public.
The club made its final contribution for this club year. The annual total was $3,700, which will help immunize 17,000 children. Alice Ford started this year with a garage sale that raised $2,500. The club added $1,200 from its 5K Pumpkin Run, 50/50 and an amount on behalf of speakers to the club. Thanks to Alice and the entire club for this effort to eradicate polio from the world.
Dr. Loren Hamel, MD, president and CEO of Lakeland Health, is leading the biggest rebuilding program in the hospital's history. This renovation/expansion includes new operating rooms, new ICU, four story patient wing and relocated visitor entrance and emergency area. Interior traffic will be greatly improved, the parking garage will add one more floor and a roof for year-round covered parking.
In other news, Lakepoint apartments are filling up fast, including 60 residents physicians in four specialties, in three year rotations, and 32 families from the community. The waiting list is over 100.
Dr. Hamel explained how Medicaid works in Michigan: hospitals are assessed a contribution amount and the Federal government matches it 5 to 1. The State does not used General Fund revenues for Medicare. The current ACA reduced reimbursements but expanded enrollments. Changes under consideration now are unknown.
Shaneil took advantage of our mentoring program to speak with two experienced nurses. The discussion confirmed her interest in the field. She plans to attend LMC for two years and then go on to Western Michigan to complete her nursing education. Thanks to Mike Scheffler for creating the opportunity for Shaneil.
Jasmina, or just "Jas" a we have called her, started her trip to the US in a state of panic. They suspected her of having a bomb and put her through extensive screening. What a way to start! Public Speaking is her favorite topic at school. She received an A and surprised her teacher with a fifteen minute talk on demons. She enjoyed the homecoming dance as the date of the quarterback. She attended prom with a group of Rotary Youth Exchange students and other friends. But shopping for the dress was fun too - five stores and many fittings later she selected a dress. The prom and after-prom provided a "wonderful memory". Jas' mom was visiting from Germany for a trip to Niagara Falls and New York City. After that trip, Jas will join a RYE trip to the west coast.
If you read Aicha's blog about her Rotary Youth Exchange year in Japan it's clear that her host club, Rotary Club of Yokohama North and host Rotary District 2590, have done an excellent job providing a wonderful experiences for her. Our club sent the thank you card above for her to include in her final presentations.
Our own Bob Kynast, fundraising chair and leader of the 5k event, presented the new course at left. Both the 5K and 10K courses have been redesigned to stay on the pavement for better footing and faster times. Other changes this year are a Train to Run program sponsored by Whirlpool and Lakeland Care to prepare for the run or walk. Slumberland and Whirlpool will be major sponsors of the event. A children's supervised play area will let runners drop off children over 5 so they can enjoy the run. The event website is up and running and registration is open, click here. Key Dates: 5K/10K on September 16, Great Bed Race on September 23, and Great Pumpkin Festival on September 24.
Below is the recommendation for our club's Rotary Hero for 2016-17.
"The members of Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Club would like to nominate Brian Saxton as our 2017 Rotary Hero. Brian has been a member of our club since 2000. He has served as club president and will reprise that role for the 2017-18 year. Brian is a constant source of enthusiasm and leadership not only to Rotary but also in the community at large.
Under his guidance as CEO of the Benton Harbor Boys and Girls Club hundreds of local children have been served, fed and nurtured. Providing academic support, personal development and fun the club draws from many local schools and positively impacts lives.
Brian serves a key role to our club and RI including strategic planning and mentoring future club leaders among other intangibles. He truly embodies the spirit of Rotary."
De'Andre took advantage of Rotary's Mentoring program to spend time at Van's Pharmacy. He thanked Rotary and Mike Scheffler for arranging the intervew. De'Andre said the discussion helped confirm his career choice. He will attend LMC in the fall to pursue a pharmacy degree.
Our own club's Bob McFeeter is Evergreen Development's managing director, responsible for Harbor Shores. He present the above concept drawing of Harbor Village, which is taking shape next to The Inn and marina. This plan replaces the original concept which featured seven story condominiums. Bob used the chief architect at Andrews University to create a new concept. The plan now provided a small town feel with front porches, sidewalks, and alleys that bring neighbors closer. The plan also creates a central avenue that leads directly to the marina and provides a maximum number of water views. The total number of residences was reduced by 50%. Yes, the pedestrian bridge across the Paw Paw River is in the plan. Kerry Wright II of Evergreen Real Estate was also on hand to show some of the housing products that will be offered for sale starting in June 2017. Single family homes and town homes will be offered. For more information explore the Harbor Shores website, click here.
All the "young five" students in Mrs. Kellogg's received their books from Catherine Ravitch and Bob Elliott and voiced a hearty thank you. Mrs. Kellogg immediately started reading the books with the children.
Our own club member, Eddie Marshall, is president and founder of Toys for the Needy, a 501c(3) nonprofit. His organization is not focused on recreational toys as you might suspect - and the need is not financial but a need to learn how to read. Research has shown that poor readers have troubled outcomes later. Eddie's "toys" are various mobile devices loaded with apps that make learning to read fun. He works two tracks: 1) trying to change the culture by increasing parental involvement in the child's reading abilities, and 2) working with schools to target those falling behind in reading skills and equip them with tablets or other devices to bring them up to grade level. Photo from Countryside Academy. The club members applauded Eddie's efforts and intends to request a district grant to help advance his program.
Join the effort! Send a donation to Toys for the Needy and Aid, PO Box 8831 Benton Harbor, MI 49023.
Updated - Toys for the Needy - A Surprising Double Entendre
Cameron Furney, center, is inducted into membership in Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary by president Patrice Grant on right, while sponsor Lyn Sperry looks on. Cameron is a teacher at Countryside Academy.
Dyann Chenault, past-president, left, with Emma Kinnard, executive director of Fresh Start Children's Garden, returned to Rotary with project director, Marvin Haywood. Marvin reminded us of the mission to bring a fresh start to the garden but also to the community, teaching responsibility and healthy lifestyles. All the produce is provided free to the community. Emma is also putting donated boxes to use, letting children plant, tend and harvest their own selection of fruit, vegetables and flowers. A landscaping class is also in the works. Emma also wanted to thank Rotary for a grant to move her greenhouse to the new location at the corner of Pearl and May in Benton Harbor. Check out her radio program on Monday's at 1 pm, 105.3 FM.
From left, Ellen Russell, Dave Bly and Eddie Marshall are just a few of the Rotarians that turned out for the annual park clean up at Pete Mitchell, City Center Park in downtown Benton Harbor. Mike Kinney organized the work and delivered several truck loads of mulch. Bryan Tutton was on his tractor tilling the flower beds and delivering mulch throughout the park. Well done everyone.
Junior Achievement is an important Rotary partner in serving the community. Rotarians formed two teams and raised funds at the annual JA bowling fund raiser. I heard the bowling was fun, just don't ask about the scores. Pictured above in Star Wars regalia, from left, are Cindy Kinney, Dan Utroske, Alice Ford, Mike Kinney, Pam Pappas, Bob Gifford, Kyra Utroske, Dave Bly, Lyn Sperry and Mike Scheffler..
Members of the Benton Harbor High School robotics team, from left, Lauren, Dyesha and Kenny, were very proud of their accomplishments in this year's robotics competition. The team takes a standard kit of parts, designs the robot for the tasks, and programs the robot to respond to a driver's commands. The robots compete as alliances of three teams. The highest scoring teams are allowed to select two other teams for the next round of competition. The Tiger's robot was fast and excelled in the climbing portion, leading to selection for regional and state competition. Shannon Hana, not shown, is the coach of the team. He was on hand to introduce the team to Rotary. The three students were 50% of their six person team. It's amazing that such a small team was able to accomplish so much. Each student expressed their joy of learning and accomplishment provided by this year's competition.
Rayonte' visited Rotary to thank the club for our mentoring program. He used it to explore a career as an architect. Mike Scheffler arranged for Rayonte' to interview an architect at Pearson Construction. The interview confirmed his interest in this career.
The club gathered at the new Timothy's restaurant in Union Pier to celebrate the twenty-sixth anniversary of our charter. The food and fellowship was simply terrific. We used the occasion to make Craig Carlson an Honorary Member.
President Patrice Grant enjoys Craig Carlson's remarks after he was notified that he was enrolled as an Honorary Member of Benton Harbor Sunrise. Craig manages the Elks Lodge during our meetings and is the founder of the Ray Carlson Memorial, dedicated to special needs children. His life is an example of Service Above Self. Welcome Craig.
Chachi, our former Rotary Youth Exchange student from Lima, Peru, completed his associates degree in a manner we have come to expect from him. He was recognized at the Honors Convocation as a Cum Laude graduate. He also had the honor of having the longest name on the list of honorees, Juan Linares Orihuela.
Brian Saxton, president elect, stepped to the podium for an update on the Boys and Girls Club. Everything that the Boys and Girls Club does is data driven, purposeful and intentional. The children and teens took a survey last week, and their “Club Experience Factor” has risen from 66% in 2014 to 78% in 2016. The goal is to see this raise on the new survey.
The Club Experience is based on four principals:
· Safe First: Several improvements include adding more cameras, using Deputy Williams, and earning a $125,000 safety grant
· Having Fun
· Having good adult relationships: which include new staffing and foster grandparents
· Recognize accomplishments which include Club Kid of the Year, Graduations, Admission to College or other successes like Americorp.
Fifty kids were in the summer reading intervention program last summer and ½ of them went up 4 levels
Besides academic success, the Boys and Girls Club also works with improving character. The club recognizes that the students are dealing with grief and trauma. They are participating in a Pilot Program called “Be There” which teaches the skills children need to deal with their problems. The club also is partnering with the local schools to provide wrap around service. Since this all started, the suspension rates are going down, the grades are going up, and sibling relationships are improving.
Last summer there was a 10 week summer reading program in which 528 kids participated. On average, the students improved ½ grade in 10 weeks.
The teen center includes five retired teachers. There are 35 kids working on college entry next year.
The clubs are also working on healthy lifestyles, and they are including healthy eating with this. There is a $200,000 grant for food. Also, the football team comes to the teen center after practice for a hot dinner. There are 15-20 foster grandparents working with the children and teaching leadership and responsibility. There are lock ins at the teen center for basketball, food and fun. There are 12 mentors who organize this. Tonight there will be 200 kids at the lock in.
The club is also working with the teens to help them find employment. They are teaching soft skills about how to look for a job and how to keep a job. Junior Achievement works with the kids and there are trips to businesses. 60 kids are now employed, and employers are looking at the club to find new employees.
The local club is above the national average in economic benefits: For every $1 invested in Boys and Girls Club in Benton Harbor, the region gets an economic benefit of $12.64. Thanks to Dyann Chenault for these notes.
The image shown is from a thank you card from a third grader at MLK in Benton Harbor. Several members from the Rotary were at MLK this Monday delivering dictionaries to all the third graders. After careful consideration of all the relevant factors, like gender, clothes and facial hair, we decided that the mystery figure was Eddie Marshall. Don Mitchell, whose daughter teaches one of the 3rd grades, confirmed that the student was drawing Eddie.
Shown on the left is Zera (TM) Food Recycler. Scott Sichmeller, Sr. Engineering Manager, for Whirlpool's innovation center, said Zera is the latest product which carries the WLABS brand. This product turns kitchen scraps into fertilizer in a single cycle. The product was introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2017. Food scraps make up 20% of the waste that goes into land fills and releases methane into the atmosphere. This product would be especially attractive on both coasts as they have strict limits on activities that increase green house gases. Of course the product connects to the internet for updates and service issues, but it isn't needed for operation. Initial sales on the Indiegogo web ite have been promising. Retail price is targeted at $1,199.
Brian Saxton and Mike Scheffler attended PETS last weekend. Thanks for stepping up. Now the club has a qualified president-elect to take over leadership of the club next year. Expect a survey soon about using the flexibility in the new RI Constitution.
Sarah Stocker announced that she will be using the Red Wagon books to create a library at the Dream Academy. She will need help as this project moves ahead.
Dr. Shelly Walker, superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools, returned to Rotary to provide an update. Hull International, STEAM and the Dream academy are schools in the lower 5% and under careful watch by the state. The next step is a "partnership agreement" with state officials. Dr. Walker feels prepared for the discussion. She has been working on seven interventions and keeping track with a scorecard on three dimensions: achievement, behavior and leadership. The school-within-a-school separates out behavior issues for special intervention while allowing other students to progress. RESA specialist are helping staff with professional development. She had two requests for Rotary: volunteer for one-to-one mentoring and help with playgrounds and fencing. To volunteer send an email to cleather.nichols@bhas.org.
Our own Dave Krieger, past president, went through the new RI Club Constitution. The main difference is the option to vary meeting and attendance to meet the needs of the club and its members. The club will have an opportunity to adopt the constitution at a future meeting. Then the hard work begins: deciding how to use the flexibility to make our club better. Thank you Dave.
Dyann Chenault exhanges flags with Matt Cooper of the Paw Paw Rotary Club. Matt, an attorney in Paw Paw, learned that protecting service members has been a long tradition, starting with George Washington, followed by Abraham Lincoln and enshrined in US laws. Matt found that the tradition didn't mean much when he tried to help a national guardsman whose home was foreclosed on while he was serving in Iraq. His case was initially dismissed but he was able to appeal and finally presented his case to a jury. He won a large settlement for Mr. Hurley of Hartford. That was not the end of the story. The publicity of the case generated more contacts from people the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act was failing to protect. The law was also amended to make it easier to defend the servicemembers rights. Matt formed a foundation to provide assistance in court and through education, publishing a new judges guide to the law. He also wrote A Soldiers Home, a book to spread the word about the wrongs done to servicemembers while away serving their country. To learn more or make a donation visit the SCRA Foundation, a 501c(3) public charity, by clicking here..
Our own club's Lee Scherwitz did a TED talk on Polyglots.
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The license plate displays the call sign "KF8Z" of our own Dan Utroske. Dan has been an amateur radio operator since his teen years. He has a license to operate his radio on frequencies assigned by the FCC. There are 600,000 operators in the US and two million world wide. Dan shared some interesting facts: the space station always has an amateur operator on board; the local hospitals have base stations; the county emergency center, 911 and National Weather Service have base stations; Morse code is no longer a requirement; and the radios can be connected to computers to send email or other digital messages. Service is a major part of amateur radio. They participate in safety and welfare communications. Message can be relayed coast-to-coast in two hours or less. The local club also supports the Apple Cider Century bike ride, the CROP walk and other events.
Dr. Gulf Kasewurm, St. Joseph audiologist, returned to Rotary to discuss her recent trip to Peru for the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Working with local Rotary clubs in five cities, they fit and tested free hearing aids to 20,000 adults and children, about a 50/50 mix of children and adults. She also reported new initiatives in Africa where there are few audiologist. An institute has been formed to train more specialists. And last year, with local funding support, she conducted her first clinic for 100 patients. She hopes to repeat the local event in June 2020. To learn more or donate click 
and Caroline Fort went to Columbia South America on a mission trip.
Our club provided dinner for the Benton Harbor High School football team, aka the Tigers, and their coaches. The players showed up a little tired after two-a-day practice but they made short work of spaghetti, meat balls, salad, rolls and cookies. Rotariams plus Beth Bentham did the planning, shopping, cooking, serving and clean up. Thanks to Cindy and Mikes Kinney, Dan and Kyra Utroske, Jim and Beth Bentham, Michael Mason, Lee Scherwitz and Bob Elliott for putting this together on short notice
Harbor Country Rotary partnered with Chikaming Open Lands to offer the community an opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy some beautiful areas and learn about these two wonderful organizations located in Harbor Country. Pictured, from left, are Rotarians David McNabb and Tom Flint, also shown is Jen Thompson, marketing director for Chikaming Open Lands. They offer a 10 trail challenge during the month of July. Participants earn prizes for 3, 5 or 10 trails completed. 
Mary Jo Schnell is the executive director of the OutCenter in Benton Harbor, a 501c(3) non-profit organization, partially funded by United Way. The organization serves the LGBTQ+ community, helping to make the community more inclusive for kids, families, employers and employees. The OutCenter offers a drop-in location that is safe and welcoming, with computer lab, library and referrals to services. Confidential counseling by professional staff or religious leaders are also available. Programs include Teen Pride Alliance, LGBTQ+ Safe Schools Collaborative, and Advocacy and Education services. Its legislative priority is to protect the LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination by expanding the current law to include them. For more information click 
The club was presented with an award for its work for Polio Plus. Jim Smith shows the award to Alice Ford. Alice has lead many projects to raise funds for Polio. The club uses the first meeting 50/50, speakers awards and other avenues to provide fund to eradicate polio. This fiscal year we donated $2,050 dollars to The Rotary Foundation for Polio Plus
Dyann Chenault, in her role as assistant governor, presents Bob Elliott with the 2018-2019 Hero Award from District 6360. The club's citation was: "Bob Elliott has been an active member of our club since 2005 and served several years as treasurer. He recently made a transition to bookkeeper supporting the new treasurer. This new alignment provides separation of duties and better financial controls and accountability. Bob also provides the “glue” for the club members with weekly newsletters, posting summaries of presentations, and instructing new members on use of our club’s website. He organized and initiated two district grants for literacy and park maintenance projects. Bob also built and maintains a dedicated website to support our three annual fundraising events. Not only that, he has had perfect attendance for at least two years. Bob is a true Rotarian!" Congratulations Bob
Martha "Martie" Hesse is the executive director of The Ghostlight Theatre. She has been working for the past 18 months to establish her 501c3, purchasing a building at 101 Hinkley in the Arts District of Benton Harbor, connected to the local arts community, especially Paul Mow, music director of Twin City Players. After acquiring a matching grant of $50,000 from Michigan Economic Development, she raise $100,000 from local enthusiasts and businesses. A full slate of shows have been planned for this summer, starting with Bridges of Madison County opening June 13, 2019. There are tons of opportunities to participate, volunteer, donate, buy a seat with your name on it, etc. For the other shows for summer 2019 and more information click 
Our club's own members Farai Rukunda, left, and Brian Saxton, briefed the club on initial thoughts for an international project is Farai's home village of Arnoldine, Zimbabwe. One of the ideas being studied is a chicken and egg factory. A study by the Africa University shows the possibilities. Water and arable land for growing feed are available. Many of the pieces of a project are falling in place: there is a local Rotary in Zimbabwe, there is a possible partner for a Nebraskan Rotary Club. And RI has a person dedicated to Zimbabwe at the Evanston headquarters. A critical step would be a community assessment done according to RI standards. The club encouraged Farai and Brain to continue to explore the possibilities and return for an update in a few months
Our own Barbara Starke explained the photo as an example of Chinese medicine. The body has an extensive and complex energy system that flows throughout. When the body is in balance and healthy the energy flows easily, but blockages and interruptions cause stagnation, disease and discomfort. Ear Acupuncture is one approach that relieves stress throughout the body. It is based on the belief that points on the ear are associated with the kidney, liver, lung, nervous system and spirit. Barb is offering weekly sessions at the Yeager Cancer Center in Royalton, Wednesdays afternoons from 3-6 pm. Sessions are approximately 30 minutes long, just drop in. Appointments are not required; sessions are available for a free will offering
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Dr. Herrera, CEO of Benton Harbor Area Schools made his first visit to Rotary since his appointment in July 2018. The first question was on the role of technology. Dr. Herrera first mention that the school district ha s new curriculum for k-12. The role of tech is to let the teacher personalize the learning for each student. Many students are not at grade level and a tiered intervention is used. The district has eleven readingspecialist aid the teachers. Technology is used to provide time outside of class. Tier three involves additional classroom time.
Barbara Starke shown with President Joseph Taylor during her induction ceremony. Barb is the mult-talented health professional that introduced the club to Tai Chi in August. Her full credentials are: RN, MSN, FNP-BC, HTCP/I, NADA Trainer, all those letters translate into Registered Nurse, Master’s prepared Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified; Healing Touch Program Certified Practitioner and Instructor; National Acupuncture Detoxification Association Trainer. She lives in Coloma with her husband Jeff. She looks forward to working on water and other health related projects. Bob Elliott is her sponsor. Welcome to Rotary Barb!
Nitin Mangaldas Is past district governor for Rotary District 3141 in Mumbai India, more than 8,000 miles from Benton Harbor. He dropped in for a makeup and took a few minutes to address the club. This was his second visit to the club and expects more since he has grandkids in Stevensville. His club promotes eye care and other health initiatives. He recommended we explore a district friendship exchange which would have four or five couples from each district visit. Staying with local Rotarians makes the exchange much richer
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President Joseph Taylor conducts the induction ceremony with Dathan Lumpkins. Dathan founded his own Lumpkins Private Wealth Management company after twelve years with Chase. He grew up in St. Louis and credits his mom for keeping hm busy and out of trouble. His wife Betsy and two girls complete his family. Brian Saxton is his sponsor. This is Dathan's first service experience. Welcome to Rotary!
Momono Sakura, on the left with two friends from St. Joe High, returned to her host club to make her final presentation. Her highlights were too numerous to recount here but a few will probably stick with her for a long time. She loved: shopping in South Bend; traveling to Chicago for a Cubs game and the stage performance of Hamilton;
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Capt. Rockey Adams hosted the club at the Berrien County Emergency Management Operations Center. The main tactical room is filled with communications equipment organized in clusters. During an emergency the clusters are filled with personnel involved with a particular aspect, for example, health, or first responders. Rockey took the opportunity to make us aware of two tools each member may want to add to their side, namely Smart 911 and B-Ware (Short for Berrien Awareness). See the images below. Click 
Dave Boelke, shown in full "hunter's orange", with rifle and backpack, just as he wore setting out to hunt elk in Colorado. Dave's father introduced him to elk hunting in 1973. He's made annual trips to continue the tradition. He wanted a more intense experience so in 2016 he booked a "deep camp" trip with an outfitter. He planned to spend a week with another hunter in a cabin about four hours by horseback from the outfitter's base camp. It was November at an altitude above 10,000 feet. On the first morning, he and his fellow hunter made a plan to rendezvous at a selected landmark about 3hrs away. Dave planned to circle right, his partner would circle left, both men looking for signs of movement by elk or bears. Dave overshot the landmark and after a while realized the cold night was quickly approaching. His backpack had all the normal equipment" gps, compass, snacks, matches, water, mirror and Kindle ebook reader. He built a fire and planned to head back in the morning. He refused to panic. The gps, which Dave had depended on to navigate the forest, had a dead battery. Without that device he had no idea which way it was to the cabin. He decided to stay put until he was rescued. Dave's hunting buddy reported him lost the next morning. Eventually Dave saw the helicopters and moved in their direction. The search party that grew to 43 people and ten helicopters took three days to see the shimmering reflection off Dave's mirror. Dave was hungry and dehydrated but otherwise OK. Dave plans to add fresh batteries to his emergency kit
Our Rotary was pleased to honor veterans with a flag placed along the entry to the Kitchen Aid Senior PGA
Sister Paulita and Martha Thieneman from the Readiness Center made a return visit to Rotary. Martha provided an overview in preparation for sister Paulita's final year in 2018-2019. Our Foundation has provided three grants to aid the efforts of the Readiness Center. For thirty-five years Sister Paulita has been preparing youth for school. Along the way she expanded her efforts to include parents and teens, working to produce successful citizens through education. She puts in a little fun and work to make sure the education is well rounded. She serves about one-hundred families. All her services are free; the teens must volunteer to mentor or do housekeeping to earn their place in City Kids afternoon program. Many of her charges are with the center through out their entire school years. How well do her students do? They do great! with 97% graduating high school. Learn more, donate or volunteer by clicking 
Elena, on left, and Anna from the Lake Michigan Catholic Interact Club were at our meeting to announce the 4th Annual College Game Night. The March 18th event coincides with the early rounds of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Drop in the Watermark Brewing Company in Stevensville any time from 1-5 pm for TV, games and beverages. Tickets are $15. The brewery will also donate $1 for each pint sold during the event. The proceeds will go to this year's mission trip to the Dominican Republic in June. The brewery is at 5781 St. Joseph Ave in the Village of Stevensville, just south of John Beers road (how appropriate!)
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Becki Tomsheck, program manager, has 20 years experience in training. In 2017 she decided to put that experience to work for Junior Achievement. JA trains in three areas: financial literacy, workplace readiness and entrepreneurship. The model brings experienced business volunteers into classroom to go through JA's excellent educational materials. The work is all supported by donations and includes many classroom volunteers. 140 classes are planned for the spring, starting in March. Why not join in? Training will take place February 13 from 1-3 pm. To enroll or ask about other volunteer opportunities write to becki.tomsheck@ja.org
State representative Kim LaSata made her first visit to Sunrise Rotary. She attended Lake Michigan Catholic High School and returned many years to teach fifth grade. Ten years later she made her first run for elected office. Now she is chair of the higher education committee with responsibility for 15 campuses. She also serves on the agriculture and health committees. Her first legislation addressed homeowners falsely claiming homestead exemptions, assessing back taxes and fines. Her ed committee uses performance metrics to allocate up to 50% of the college annual budgets. She expects to review and revise these metrics during this term
Kevin Edlefson, a member of the Providence World Ministry, is part of a project called La Providencia in Honduras. Orphans are removed from traditional institutions and joined to existing families in a new community structure. The families are recruited to be long term residents which provides two important things to orphans: a two parent household and stability. Four houses have been built along with a school and a clinic. Families grow coffee, bananas and tilapia for food and sale. The village is adding housing for widows to provide the "aunts" and "grandparents" for the orphans. Rotary International has provided a $250,000 global matching grant to provide school supplies and housing needs. Every $1 donated will be matched by $3.50 from Rotary. Click 
Rhonda Pallas is the Center Director for Tri County Head Start on McCord in Benton Harbor. Ellen Russell is her sponsor. Rhonda lives in Stevensville. She has been active with the Road to Life food pantry and Right to Life. Welcome Rhonda!
Julia Gourley, Executive Director of Krasl Art Center, on left, and Tami Miller, Curator of Art & Education, were welcomed by president Brian Saxton. The speakers were on hand to introduce their latest public art initiative. Every five years the center takes on a major project. This time involves re-configuring the plaza area to incorporate an arch designed by Richard Hunt. See photo below for a model of the arch with the artist. The final piece will be 20 feet tall and encourage visitors to linger, take photos and stage events. The total project cost is $1.7 million. Ground breaking is planned for April 2018. Donations are now being accepted to match a $50,000 challenge grant. Click 
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Elizabeth McCree, Esq. returned to Benton Harbor after Spelman College, law school and legal practice in Georgia. In 2013 she was a prosecutor in the family courts and saw how it takes four systems - school, welfare, mental health and justice - working together to put young people on the path to success. She recently open a practice in Benton Harbor and recognized a need for more lawyers to replace the retiring generation. This eventually lead to her plans to conduct a summer camp in 2018. The camp would be open to all Berrien County residents grades 9 to 12, plus those graduated in last two years. The camp will be intensive, with three weeks of activities including two field trips. She is drawing in state and local resources to put on the camp. Scholarships will be available. Contact her at attorneymccree@outloook.com if you would like to help her with this important endeavor
Quincy and Desirae are shown at Rotary Youth Leadership Academy Camp. The relaxed pose is surprising since the camp puts everyone in learning situations. Thanks to Mike Scheffler, new generations chairman, for getting our students to RYLA Camp
Graham Bryan is shown receiving his club banner from president Brian Saxton during his induction into Rotary. This banner is the last of its kind as the club will design a new banner that conforms to the new Rotary design guidelines. Graham is from the UK and works at Chase as a private client banker. He is married to Meghan and admitted to having a unique family situation: one in college and one in diapers. Jim Smith is Graham's sponsor. Welcome Graham
Our own club's Jim Smith was our presenter this week. Jim's passion is The Rotary Foundation. Under Rotary president Arch Klumph the foundation was started in 1917. But the start was slow, awarding its first $500 grant in 1930. After the 1947 death of founder Paul Harris, however, memorial donations eclipsed $1 million dollars. The idea of the Paul Harris Fellowship continues this tradition of memorial donations for "doing good in the world." Jim offered to use his points to match donations dollar-for-dollar to help all club members reach their first or next Paul Harris level of $1,000. Many checks were written that day. Way to go Jim!
Aicha Camara's Japanese still flows freely after a week at home from her Rotary Youth Exchange year in Yokohama, Japan. Today's presentation was more about the personal elements of her experience. When she agreed to the program she had two goals: become a confident public speaker and overcome her fear of roller coasters. She started right speaking at the meeting of outbound students last July and during her time in Japan she made monthly presentation at her host district meetings, in Japanese. She clearly exceeded that goal. The roller coast took more time but she road a few world class coaster during her last month in Japan. Aicha plans to work for a year and then pursue a college degree in International Studies, with a minor in Japanese. Shown below she hugs a school friend and presents a flags from her hosts
Rev. Dr. Oscar Varnadoe III retired from the Chicago school system and felt a calling to serve the community in Benton Harbor. His new church is part of the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ. His church is a "restart", taking the old Gothic church near Pipestone and Broadway. He said he could relate to Rotary's motto of Service Above Self, since he views that as Christ's command to His followers. He is building a congregation and trying to learn how he can serve the community. Welcome, Senior Pastor Varnadoe III
Several Rotarians and sorority sisters from Alpha Kappa Alpha spruced up our Rotary Park at Chicago and Linden. Several children played around us and waited patiently for their favorite equipment. Their presence was our reward for the service. Thanks to the "soros" for their help
A'Keydra Abrams is a patient advocate for the Sickle Cell Disease Association. The disease exists in communities of color especially African-Americans that may inherit the gene from their African ancestors. Sickle Cell is a disease of the blood, causing poor circulation, lack of oxygen, pain and jaundice. Flare ups often interrupt school and work and can be life-threatening. All new-borns are tested for the trait. A'Keydra spends her days counseling families, visiting patients at the hospital and spreading the word throughout the community. Her organization has offices at the health department; funding is by the State of Michigan and grants
Elizabeth Ann Jorgensen, this year's Miss SwMi Teen 2017, is a junior at Eau Claire High School and taking classes at LMC. She's a runner, musician and active member of her youth group. As Miss Teen 2017, Elizabeth has returned to her 6th grade experiences of seeing Miguel be stricken with Lukemia. She did fundraising and provide support for the family until he was in remission and returned to the 8th grade. That experience made her selection of children's cancer an easy choice for her platform. Her research showed that 250 children die each day from cancer. Many survive only to have recurrences later in life. Now she promotes Angels of Hope, (support@angelsofhope.com 586.226.3146), a non-profit that helps families deal with childhood cancer. Even the best health insurance leaves the family with many expenses, such and travel, hotels and meals
The image shown is from a thank you card from a third grader at MLK in Benton Harbor. Several members from the Rotary were at MLK this Monday delivering dictionaries to all the third graders. After careful consideration of all the relevant factors, like gender, clothes and facial hair, we decided that the mystery figure was Eddie Marshall. Don Mitchell, whose daughter teaches one of the 3rd grades, confirmed that the student was drawing Eddie
Shown on the left is Zera (TM) Food Recycler. Scott Sichmeller, Sr. Engineering Manager, for Whirlpool's innovation center, said Zera is the latest product which carries the WLABS brand. This product turns kitchen scraps into fertilizer in a single cycle. The product was introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2017. Food scraps make up 20% of the waste that goes into land fills and releases methane into the atmosphere. This product would be especially attractive on both coasts as they have strict limits on activities that increase green house gases. Of course the product connects to the internet for updates and service issues, but it isn't needed for operation. Initial sales on the Indiegogo web ite have been promising. Retail price is targeted at $1,199
Dr. Shelly Walker, superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools, returned to Rotary to provide an update. Hull International, STEAM and the Dream academy are schools in the lower 5% and under careful watch by the state. The next step is a "partnership agreement" with state officials. Dr. Walker feels prepared for the discussion. She has been working on seven interventions and keeping track with a scorecard on three dimensions: achievement, behavior and leadership. The school-within-a-school separates out behavior issues for special intervention while allowing other students to progress. RESA specialist are helping staff with professional development. She had two requests for Rotary: volunteer for one-to-one mentoring and help with playgrounds and fencing. To volunteer send an email to cleather.nichols@bhas.org
Dyann Chenault exhanges flags with Matt Cooper of the Paw Paw Rotary Club. Matt, an attorney in Paw Paw, learned that protecting service members has been a long tradition, starting with George Washington, followed by Abraham Lincoln and enshrined in US laws. Matt found that the tradition didn't mean much when he tried to help a national guardsman whose home was foreclosed on while he was serving in Iraq. His case was initially dismissed but he was able to appeal and finally presented his case to a jury. He won a large settlement for Mr. Hurley of Hartford. That was not the end of the story. The publicity of the case generated more contacts from people the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act was failing to protect. The law was also amended to make it easier to defend the servicemembers rights. Matt formed a foundation to provide assistance in court and through education, publishing a new judges guide to the law. He also wrote A Soldiers Home, a book to spread the word about the wrongs done to servicemembers while away serving their country. To learn more or make a donation visit the SCRA Foundation, a 501c(3) public charity, by clicking 
Chris Takacs, community outreach director for the Michigan