Overlooking the Lansing Country Club’s beautiful golf course, President Darwin Brewster called the meeting to order at 12:30. Justin Sheehan led the assembled Rotarians in an invocation inspired by the late Dr. King. Singing of God Bless America ensued, followed by introductions of the visiting Rotarians and guests, facilitated by Jennifer Marsh. Pat Munshaw shared the health of the club is well; a moment of silence honored Judge Michael G. Harrison, who passed away last weekend. Melanie Dart represented the May Birthday Rotarians, 67% of whom have already given $1,423 to the Rotary Foundation to support local grants and more. While it is too late to answer the question of the month (“What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?”) it isn’t too late to give May B-day gifts to hit the 100% mark. President Brewster presented Neil Slagle with his Red Badge, and welcomed him to the Club. Ken Beachler introduced cast members from the Monty Python’s SPAMALOT production, underwritten by the Rotary Club of Lansing, performing on June 7-10 & 14-17 @ Riverwalk Theater. They entertained us with two selections: “All Alone” and “Song that Goes Like This”. Get your tickets at www.riverwalktheatre.com Chair of the Month, Dan McKean, was silent in solidarity (absent, really) as Chair of the Day, Dennis Fliehman, introduced our speaker, Dr. Scott Koenigsknecht, AKA “Dr. K”, Superintendent of Ingham ISD. He’ll only hold that title for a bit longer, as he is the new Deputy Superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education’s P-20 Systems and Student Transitions. Dr. K (hey, if you can’t pronounce it, I don’t have to spell it), spoke passionately about Developing the Talents of Tomorrow. Talent Development means building the knowledge, skill and abilities of others and helping them develop and achieve their potential, so they can succeed and grow. This does NOT mean encouraging everyone to go out and get a 4-year degree. He went on to share the many ways that the Ingham ISD is working to better prepare our youth for the jobs of today, and tomorrow. Career exploration truly begins in middle school, and runs through, for some, a 13th year of school, with opportunities to participate in 19 career and technical education programs, certification programs and more. The Capital Region Technical Early College (CRTEC), the Wilson Talent Center (formerly the Capital Area Career Center), and other programs are truly ensuring that from culinary arts to advanced manufacturing, the resources exist to help students explore, and excel. 142 students earned Ferris college credits last year. More than 900 students are expected to enroll in the Wilson Talent Center this fall (up from 486 in 2014-2015). Regionalism is promoted, with students from Clinton, Eaton and even Livingston County participating, too. A robust Q&A session ensued. In lieu of a speaker’s gift, we will donate money to the Bio Sand Filter project to help provide pure water to developing countries. Next week we will meet at the Center for Manufacturing Excellence at LCC West Campus; Dr. Brent Knight & Mark Cosgrove, Dean of Technical Careers, will be our speakers. |