The Spokesperson for April 8, 2021 (Apr 08, 2021)

President Val called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. It was a beautiful spring day, attendance was light with several members out for spring break travel.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Paul Woodring, still no singing of the national anthem. Joe Casasanta led “The Four-Way Test” and Sarah Lee gave the opening prayer.

President Val had a couple opening announcements. First off, a big thanks to those Rotarians present. It's been very tough, especially on Val, to keep things going with limited participation of members during this pandemic.

Sadly, Machelle Carissimi lost her husband James very recently at the age of 63. Our thoughts and prayers are with Machelle.

On a brighter note, Val will finally get her president’s party on May 13. Mark your calendars.

Jeff Furest gave an update on the fundraiser activities. The first planning meeting is set for Thursday, the 22nd at 10:15 a.m. Signup sheets are circulating and lots of volunteers are needed.

Today’s meal was served to us restaurant style in four courses; salad and rolls, then a tomato Parmesan pasta, then Parmesan chicken with broccoli and finally ice cream (mint chocolate chip) for dessert.

We had several visitors today. New member Kathleen Best was to introduce guests but the sign-in sheet was a mess. Val took over and introduced several visitors off the cuff:

Brandon Jonas, today’s speaker
State Senator Michael MacDonald, guest of Sarah Lee
Paul Rhodes assistant to Senator MacDonald
Kerry Jantz, a Kiwanian, guest of Steve Krankota
And I may have missed someone too!

FLOWERS

Kimberly Jarvis sold the flowers. There were no birthdays or anniversaries present, Bob Cannon had a club anniversary, 19 years which he disputed.

Then, Chuck D. bought one for Kim Jarvis, Val bought one for our guest speaker, Sarah Lee bought a flower for Senator MacDonald, Paul Woodring for the senator’s assistant Paul Rhodes and Kathleen Best bought one for Eric P. for requesting a whole plate of pasta. Ken Steele bought the last one for Jeff Furest.

Sunshine Report!

Bob Cannon has a new grandson!

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ERIC PIERSON HANDLED THE RECOGNITION DUTIES

First, Bob Cannon had to pay for the new family member, then Chuck Dib paid for his newest addition to the family, their third.

Sarah Lee was fined for her tinted hair color, $3, make it $4 for questioning the finer, then Kimberly Jarvis paid $3 in a “teaching moment,” learning that the finer is always right.

Kathleen Best paid $2 for a Florida trip.

Visitor Kerry Jantz volunteered a $10 fine for Steve Krankota’s absence, Ken Steele and Jeff Furest paid for their early season golf outings.

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Our speaker today was introduced by President Val — Brandon Jonas

Brandon is the Economic Development Director for Clinton Township. Brandon highlighted some key trends in Clinton Township, and described the key elements of the township’s economic development strategy. Based on community input and the township’s strategic vision plan several key elements priorities are in place.

They include:

Establishing opportunity zones or rehab districts. An example was the former KMart site.
Façade improvement program including matching grants
Redevelopment focusing on mixed use areas
Developing downtown pedestrian nodes, bike paths, walking friendly areas
Focus on landscape and site improvements
Increase blight enforcement with possible new blight ordinances

The 50/50 winner was our guest, Senator MacDonald. He promptly donated the $35 winnings back to the club.

See you next week!

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CALENDAR of EVENTS

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April 15
Gregg Shipman, Mount Clemens Fire Chief

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April 22
Diane Banks / Phil Gilchrist

Project at Shadyside Park in Mount Clemens

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April 29
Larry Neal, Library Director - Let’s Build a Library

Clinton-Macomb Public Library Director,

design, construction and opening plans for the

new North Branch at 54100 Broughton Road, Macomb

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May 6
Jack Johns - Project Manager

Macomb County Dept. of Planning & Economic Development

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May 13

PRESIDENTIAL BALL

Party of the Century target sales date

Party of the Century Target date flier and website completion

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May 20

Rocky Pinheiro

WAVE Project Welcoming All Valuing Everyone

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June 10

Brian Manninen

Pierson Scholarship

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June 17

Lea Wojaechowski & Alejandra Correa

Chesterton Academy of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Party of the Century advertising deadline July 19

Party of the Century program completion July 20
Party of the Century volunteers secured July 5
Party of the Century volunteer training night August 11

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AUGUST 14

THE PARTY of the CENTURY

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SEPTEMBER 16

Dick Pierson Memorial Golf Outing

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