SPOKES VOL. LXVIII NO. 12 October 12, 2021
President Bill Roberts called the meeting to order promptly at 7:00 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Dan Thompson led us in prayer today speaking of the beautiful blessing of the fall transition.
Our speaker this morning is fellow Rotarian Pete Swanson
Announcements:
Our Golden Trowel Nomination was not chosen for an award this year. In a note from Gary Campbell he said, “We received several outstanding nominations for our 2021 Golden Trowel Award. Although yours was outstanding also, our committee has chosen other nominees for the award this year. It was a very difficult decision.” We have historically nominated our citizen of the year for the Rotary District 6360 Golden Trowel award. We do not inform our nominee that they we being nominated for the award, only if they have been chosen.
The We Care Golf Outing was not held yesterday and has been rescheduled for June 20, 2022 at Hawks Head Golf Course. Our Club is a sponsor for the golf outing.
Blessings in a backpack- Thursday October 14th – 10:30 am North Shore Elementary School, you must be vaccinated and wear a mask.
Note from Marty Graber - I have returned to the USA three days ago, which is earlier than planned, due to medical reasons. I had planned to be in Kenya another 31 days, I had an appointment with a physician earlier today and will probably never return to Kenya. I have accepted that decision. I am 87, having been in Kenya for over 42 years. I had also spent a few days in Tenwek Hospital in Kenya a few weeks ago where I had worked for 13 years.
I have many fond memories from living in Kenya, helping many people. Many Kenyans friends came to visit with me while I was at Tenwek Hospital and also at Ngoswani.
Sandra Reno first Spokes minutes have been published. Big thank you for taking on this task.
Angelica Gallegos has a client who has a potential employment opportunity, but is in need of a computer. Given the specs that are needed, there may be a Rotary member (or maybe someone they know) that might have something they would be willing to donate. Following are the specs:
- Windows 7 or higher
- 64 bit processor
- 3.0 ghz quad core cpu or faster
- 12 gb ram or more
Russ Hyma long time Rotary Club member, Past president and local Chevrolet dealer died. The obituary can be viewed at the Yntemas Funeral Home in Zeeland. Memorial service was October 6th.
Mark Odland announced that Friday, October 22, 2021, at 10 a.m. they will be removing the flowers from the bridge. Volunteers are welcome.
Also Bob Copping was mentioned today, he is allowed visitors. His contact information is in the last edition of spokes.
Board meeting following this meeting.
Humor
Bill Roberts humor this week was regarding an Engineer and a Manager trying to land a hot air balloon.
50/50 and Fines
Stewart Comisky, graciously filled in for Tom Ruesnik today collecting raffle, and happy buck money. Thank you Stewart.
Kaileigh Eddy won the drawing today but unfortunately not the pot. So it continues to grow.
John M won the $2.00 consolation prize today.
Happy Bucks
Deb Davison- Grandson, Sean celebrated his 16th Birthday!
Richard Swanson- Granddaughter, also celebrating a 16th Birthday!
Again our Michigan and Michigan State fans appreciated the wins over the weekend!
Jerry Portman-made an early morning visit to his grandkids taking them hoodies and was greeted by his 3 year old granddaughter telling him how much she loved his car.
Kaileigh – Got to see her daughter this weekend.
Barry Winkle, played golf and cheated, so he says!
Tom Renner-Fire Safety Fun night was a huge success.
Dan Thompson- Asked for prayers for Pastor Jeff as his grandson is in the hospital.
Speaker Pete Swanson- Dog Park in South Haven
Pete spoke today about the Dog park here in South Haven. It is located at 73175 8th Ave, next to the Al Van Animal Shelter and Across from Compton’s Construction.
2010 The residents realized a need for a dog park in South Haven. The idea was taken before the City of South Haven for a Municipal Park but was not approved.
A 501C was developed and an area was chosen for the Dog Park.
A 10 year lease for the was established with the Do – It Corp (McClendon ) Family.
The McClendon family donated $5,000 for fencing. The Membership donated the rest of the funds. Three Acres was cleared out for the fencing to be put up.
2012 The park was Established
- Private membership only.
- Currently there are 70 – 100 members.
- $25.00 per year per member and is Tax Deductible.
- The park is well used by both residents and visitors.
- 3 Acre fenced in park with no shade or water.
2014 - Volunteers/ Members cleaned and mowed the park.
2015/2016 - Riding lawn mower donated from Grand Rapids.
2018 - Don Hodgman with Lawn Boy now takes care of the property.
2021- The future of the Dog Park is up in the air.
The lease has expired the park lease is on a month to month basis, and the McClendon family does not want to sell the property.
The membership fees do not cover the maintenance and insurance cost to have a dog park.
May need to relocate the park.
Members do not want to raise the membership fee but Kalamazoo dog parks fees are $300.00 per year.
The Board is currently looking at other properties for relocation.
Suggestions were made by the Rotary membership.
- Approach DNR for a Recreation Grant?
- Go to City Council with all of the members.
- Raise the dues.
President Roberts thanked Pete Swanson for his presentation today..
Bill adjourned the meeting with the Four Way Test promptly at 8:00 a.m.
- NEXT WEEK: Jeff Bopp about The South Haven Jazz Band