Today the club enjoyed a field trip. We were hosted by the Culinary Arts Program at the L'Anse Creuse school district's Pankow Center.
President Larry Neal called the meeting to order in the center's Creuse Café.
Val Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance and national anthem. Steve Krankota led “The Four-Way Test” with no banner to read from (nailed it.)
Then Sarah Lee provided the invocation.
Wow, what a lunch we had -- spinach-stuffed chicken, ham with a delicious pineapple glaze, mashed potatoes, multicolor carrots, salad and more.
Appetizers included stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, and an assortment of breads with cinnamon butter. All presented buffet-style and attended to by the student chefs.
- President Larry started the meeting by asking for a round of applause for the young culinary artists.
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- Larry then thanked Karan for covering for him while he was away. Larry gave tribute to his mother who recently passed by reading two unusual nursery rhymes from his youth.
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- Larry read a nice note from Digger Odell thanking the club for our support of the annual snowmobile ride for Special Olympics. Fred Duemling was mentioned too for his longterm participation. (Hey there Fred, hope you are well!)
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- Chuck Dib gave a fundraiser update saying thank you for all the help and support so far. There are still a few tickets available and ad space too, so tell your friends.
Mary Ann Hosey introduced the guests: Larry Moloney, guest of Cecilia, Agnieszka Palucki, AJ, guest of Dave Gerlach, and Sakura Niederkohr, guest and daughter of Art.
After birthdays and anniversaries, Jean Bodenstedt sold the flowers. Julie Miller bought the first five for the student chefs. (Good move.) Ellen Lysik offered to buy more to assure they all got one. Mark Z bought one for Kelly Allen for setting up today's lunch, Jeff Furest for Mary Ann and Tom Hosey for being great hosts, and Eric Pierson bought the last one for Art's daughter Sakura.
Today's music was chosen by Kris Howell. We sang “America the Beautiful” and “R-O-T-A-R-Y.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Mary Ann Hosey spread a little sunshine with news about a new grandchild.
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- Mark Z gave an update on his father Al who is in Florida. He's working through some health issues. To Al, hope you're reading this, we miss you and look forward to your return.
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- Ellen Lysik promoted the annual BRAVO fundraiser to be held May 1.
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- Art Niederkohr announced a club project; MacArthur Park cleanup day, May 11. A sign-up sheet was circulated. Gowanie Golf Club has been reserved for our annual Dick Pierson golf outing, September 26.
Jeff (I-love-short-notice) Furest proceeded with Recognition.
- First Ellen Lysik was charged $1 for her non-Rotary announcement. Then Jeff mentioned a current Jeopardy contestant who is setting records. Larry Neal's staff member who was on the show recently, didn't fare as well, so the four front tables paid $1 each.
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- All the spring break travelers had to pony up in amounts based on distance and destination. Jeff asked "Who didn't watch the Master's golf tournament conclusion on Sunday? The fine was $2 for missing out on history.
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- Spring is here, if you have flowers blooming at home, that's $1 for the person on your left. Finally, Jeff asked for volunteers to be fined. Kris and Chuck admitted to having no Rotary pins.
Kelly Allen introduced the program for today.
The Pankow Center, named after formed district superintendent John V. Pankow, is a career prep alternative high school. Its focus is providing career experience and technical education, preparing students for life after high school. Agreements are in place with eight other area school districts to attend as well.
Kelly first introduced the district superintendent Erik Edoff. Erik spoke highly of the facility and the staff. He emphasized the need for vocational and technical career experience. With over 22,000 jobs currently unfilled in Macomb County, there is a great need and opportunity for students to go directly into careers or apprenticeships.
The curriculum at Pankow is divided into four core areas, CTE or Career and Technical Education, MST or Math, Science and Technology, Performing Arts, and Cognitive Impairment. Our lunch today was provided by the students of the Culinary Arts program, part of CTE.
Kelly introduced the center's director, John Hass and associate director Dean Sabelhaus. John spoke highly of the teaching staff saying that all of them had hands-on career experience in their subject matter.
The center’s programs have expanded over the years with building additions and new programs. Many of these have developed through grants or partnership with local businesses.
John led the building tour which was a real eye opener. It is a very modern facility with real world equipment and resources.
We visited the TV Broadcasting and Media department, complete with a studio news desk, TV cameras, green screen and banks of computers. The students have produced numerous successful documentaries and interviews.
The auto body shop includes a paint booth. The program has shown several cars at Detroit's Autorama. The auto technology program has dynometers for assessing vehicle performance.
We wandered through numerous other programs, too many to describe in detail; dance and performing arts, horticulture, computer repair, health career services, CAD and robotics and graphic arts. An HVAC training program is coming soon.
One of the keys to success has been the partnerships and cooperation with local businesses. Students get real job experience and a link to the community after graduation.
Thanks Kelly for a very informative program.
Jean Bodenstedt took home the 50/50 prize $43
