SPOKES VOL. LXIV NO. 4 July 25, 2017
President Renner nicely opened our meeting by introducing “My Country ‘tis of Thee” and Art Ayers provided the invocation.
Guests:
We welcomed Jim Davis’ granddaughter to our meeting this morning. Joining her on the guest list was prospective member Joe Reeser, State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, State representative Beth Griffin, Hollee Graber and our speaker Mitch Lelow.
Music:
We had in interesting set of songs this week, starting with the 1909 hit “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” We sang the more traditional version rather than the rock and roll version recorded by Little Richard in 1958. We followed that up with a 1904 song about an English lad headed for New York City and his friend sings him this tune, “Give My Regards to Broadway”. We finished with “My Rotary Wheel”
Spotlight:
We were pleased to host a special presentation during which Senator Schuitmaker and Representative Griffin presented Marty and Hollee Graber a special proclamation recognizing Marty’s Service Above Self award from Rotary International.
Announcements:
- Don’t forget the Club Runner App for your phones, it’s a great resource!
- Dorothy Lockwood has information about Rotary Apparel. If you have not signed up, contact Dorothy as soon as possible.
- Next week’s meeting will be held at the Blue Horizon Nursery and Gardens at 09721 59th Street, Grand Junction, MI 49056
- Our annual summer/fall picnic will be held at the Gruber cottage on Tuesday evening, August 15. Beverages and meat will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass and a couple of chairs. No meeting that morning.
- Don Hodgman will have the sign up list for the next pancake breakfast at next week’s meeting. We need all hands on deck!
- If you know folks with antique cars, remind them about the car show at the fly-in.
- You should have received at least one electronic copy of your quarterly bill. You only have to pay once, no matter how many copies you received.
- The next Performance Series is Friday, July 28th and features the Sospiro Trio from Hope College. First United Methodist Church at 7:30 PM.
- From Mitch Lelow of the SW Michigan Land Conservancy: Next Saturday, July 29th from 9 a.m. to noon we are holding a volunteer workday to plant a butterfly garden with Michigan native plants, including milkweeds, which are very important to the monarch butterfly.
50/50
Mark Odland was the lucky recipient of the draw done by Jim Davis’ granddaughter. Then his luck ran out, drawing the ten and causing the pot to continue to grow. Steve Larsen did walk away with our $2 prize.
Fines:
- Marty and Hollee celebrated their anniversary this week and we rewarded them with a traditional “Happy Anniversary” song. For many, it was the first time hearing the traditional version in many years.
- Steve Larsen had a birthday but was treated to a “Ludington Style” version of the birthday song.
- Rhonda Wendzel has been enjoying a visit from her granddaughter.
- Steve Larsen indicated his children have just returned home from a week at Latvian camp, celebrating their heritage.
- Jerry Portman has been enjoying a visit from his mother-in-law who is 100 ½ years old
- Deb Davidson just returned from a “sisters” vacation with her three sisters.
- Mark Odland was proud of how well represented our Rotary Club was at the recent Lory’s Place fundraiser.
- Bob Copping had a story of a low life wallet thief.
Jerry Portman introduced Mitch Lelow from the SW Michigan Land Conservancy who spoke to us about invasive species.
The Land Conservancy works with local organizations like the Van Buren Conservation District and with the DNR in nine counties in our part of the state to preserve land and on other projects.
Mitch explained that an invasive species is an alien plant, animal, or insect that causes damage to the environment, the human economy or to health.Mitch gave several examples that we already know about, like zebra mussels and recently red crawfish.
The key is early detection and rapid response.The more resources that can be applied to an invasive species when first discovered, the better the chance of eliminating or controlling it.
The fight against these species focuses on four strategies, depending on how established the problem is when discovered and the level of difficulty in controlling it.First, of course is prevention – keeping the species out.Once they are discovered, eradication is the next step, if possible.Thirdly, the focus is on containment – keeping it contained to a certain area.Lastly, for species that are well established, an asset-based protection program is established to make sure native species are protected.
Currently, they and the DNR are looking for several species, hoping prevent them from getting established or containing them if they are found.Specifically, Mitch showed us information and pictures of the Chinese Yam, the Black swallow-wart, the Asian Long-horned beetle and the Hemlock wooly adelgid.
President Renner thanked Mitch for his informative presentation and expressed our appreciation for his work.
He then closed the meeting by thanking all of our guests and leading us in the Four Way Test.
Next week’s program: Field trip to Blue Horizon Nursery and Gardens. Continental breakfast, meeting will begin at 7:00 AM as usual
Next week’s Greeters: Jim France and Don Hixson
Editarian: Dene Hadden