Currently serving as Director of Innovation and Learning at Impression 5 Science Center, Micaela started as a volunteer greeter at Impression 5 as a teen. Her first paid position at Impression 5 was store clerk, and her dedication for Impression 5’s mission began with each guest interaction. Micaela built her career in informal education at Impression 5 by first contributing to the curriculum and instruction of dynamic hands-on science directly to youth. She later became Education Director where Scientific Weekends, Big Science Lessons, and events like LEGOPalooza were innovated. Micaela’s current role at Impression 5 as Director of Innovation and Learning is to move the mission forward in all aspects of operations, education, exhibits and strategic planning. Micaela is the most proud in her contributions to the Play, Create, Challenge vision of the science center and development of exhibits like MI Nature, First Impression Room, FLOW, and SMASH!. She currently leads the Youth Action Council at Impression 5, and is dedicated to viewing and moving STEM education forward with an equity lens and to supporting youth empowerment.

 

She bleeds green and white as she attended Michigan State University where she majored in Education. Micaela is a proud immigrant to the United States. She is a daughter, wife and mother who resides in the city of Lansing. She stands firmly in the belief that – “at the end of the day we can endure much more than we think we can” – famously spoken by Frida Kahlo.

A recent article in the Rotary magazine relative to planned giving notes,”The new year ushers in promise and hope, a time to resolve to do things differently. We can do more than just hope for the best. We can take steps — big and small to make changes in every aspect of our lives, including your Rotary club.”

 

This thought fits in perfectly with the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation’s initiation of its LEGACY SOCIETY. The SOCIETY will recognize any individual who designates The Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation Endowment in memory of Jack Bates at the Community Foundation in their estate plan or makes a cash gift of $10,000 or more to this endowment fund.

 

J Clyde Spencer MD passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024 at the age of 94. He was born on September 30, 1929 in Ionia, Michigan, and raised there as the only child of J Clyde Spencer Sr. and June Josephine Wales. In his youth his best friend and constant companion was Chan, his beloved Chow Chow dog. In high school Clyde played football and baseball and excelled scholastically, earning a full academic scholarship to the University of Michigan. He obtained both his bachelor and medical degrees from Michigan, did an internship at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, and then served two years as a Medical Officer in the United States Army in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Influenced by fellow Army physician and well-known Harvard radiologist CC Wang, following his military commitment Clyde returned to Ann Arbor and entered a radiology residency under the direction of the highly regarded Dr. Isadore Lampe. After completing his residency he accepted a position with Sparrow Hospital in Lansing and began work in the Radiology Department under its Chief, Dr. Bill Cheney. It was there he flourished, first as a Diagnostic Radiologist and then later as a Radiation Oncologist treating cancer. Clyde loved his work and was dedicated to his patients. He was instrumental in bringing a linear accelerator and other high-tech equipment to Sparrow, served as a Department Head for several years, and at one time was the Chief of Staff for the entire hospital.

 

In his off time, Clyde was an avid golfer. He once carried a 6 handicap, had 9 holes in one, and belonged to Walnut Hills Country Club for over 50 years. He also enjoyed time with his family, social activities with friends, and in retirement wintering in Vero Beach, Florida. Clyde was lucky in love and was married to two wonderful women; first the former Beverly Mae Brown of Grand Rapids until her death in 1980, and then to Marcia Grimes Jensen of East Lansing, who was a close friend of Beverly’s. Clyde and Marcia were married for over 40 years and she got him to loosen up a bit. At one point he was even spotted wearing jeans. His other affiliations included the American College of Radiology, the Ingham County Medical Society, the Rotary Club of Lansing which he was a member since 1972, the University of Michigan Alumni Association, and All Saints Episcopal Church.

 

Clyde was predeceased by Beverly and Marcia, along with his son Ted. He is survived by his sons Craig (Gina), Bryce (Margo) and Todd, and his daughters Allison Duniven and Sarah Hensien (John), grandchildren Brian (Jane), Clay, Marissa, Lauren (Doug), Katherine (Kevin), Chelsea, Hillary (Michael), Jack, and Anna, and great-grandchildren Molly, Lexi, Ben, Emma, Alexander, and Stella. Memorial visitation and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the Spring. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Sparrow Foundation, or the charity of your choosing. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Home Instead, Provision Living, Red Cedar Lodge, Burcham Hills, Sparrow Hospice, and everyone working in fields caring for the elderly and those most vulnerable. You are special people.

 

 

 

President Nick called our Club together and attempted to lead us in reciting the 4 Way Test, which turned into an utter failure. We achieved redemption with the reflection by Brett Pacek which he began by successfully leading us in the 4 Way Test. He went on with a prayer in memory of his mother, who died a couple of years ago. Hari Kern then accompanied us on the piano as the club sang the Star Spangled Banner.

 

Steve Grant circulated the oddly shaped blue microphone amongst the guests and visiting Rotarians. Among the visitors we had Ali Bennett, who is joining our Club; Sophia Rishar, daughter of Lorri Rishar; and Jenny Marr, the new Capital Area District Library Executive Director.

 

President Nick informed the club of the passing of Clyde Spencer. There will be a service for Clyde in the Spring.

 

John Person introduced a video from Pathways Togo, who received a grant from our Foundation. The video went into the great work of Pathways Togo and how our contribution assisted in their mission. In additional Foundation news, President Nick announced the application period for Signature Grants from February 19 to March 11 and for Local Grants from March 11 to April 5. He also announced the upcoming New Member Orientation on February 16.

 

Chair of the Month and Day, Matthew McGaughey, introduced our guest speakers Kaitlin Reinke and Cloud Kelley of EVE, Inc. Kaitlin Reinke is the Vice President of the Board of Directors and Cloud Kelly is the Director of Community Outreach with 5 whole days on the job.

 

Kaitlin and Cloud took us through the history and services of EVE, Inc. Now known as End Violent Encounters, or EVE, the organization began in 1977 and was originally titled the Council Against Domestic Assault. Originally their sole focus was on domestic violence survivors. Since their beginning they have expanded to include services related to sexual assault, assistance with personal protection orders, and a 30-bed shelter. They are the only domestic violence shelter in Ingham County, but they do have cohorts in surrounding counties.

 

They played a video of Senator Debbie Stabenow from their 2023 annual fundraiser which highlighted many of their accomplishments. Senator Stabenow was instrumental in creating the organization back when she was an Ingham County Commissioner.

 

Kaitlin and Cloud let us know how we can assist the organization and told us about their annual event. They provided some materials we could take with us.

 

President Nick thanked them for their presentation and let them know that we would be making a donation in their name to our Rotary Foundation which has supported local organizations with over $2.5 million over the years.

 

Submitted by Chris Swope:  Chris.Swope@lansingmi.gov