April 2, 2007            

Bob O’Boyle, Editarian

April 2 at Rotary seemed a little like April Fools Day as President Drew looked a lot like President Elect Judy Moore.  Most of us could tell it really was Judy, but she conducted such a good meeting that she well could have been our current Prez.  In any case we had a lively and interesting Rotary luncheon meeting this particular Monday.  Some also might say that a portion of our music was a little dicey as we sang, hummed and whistled our way through “Tip Toe Through the Tulips”, but we managed to complete it and reached the serious part of our meeting without a hitch.  Great Job Judy!

New Member

Marvin VeldKamp, CEO of Medallion Management, was introduced as our newest Rotarian.  A graduate of Christian High, Calvin College and Western Michigan University, Marv and wife Joy have two boys.  As head of Medallion Management, with over 100 completed developments in Michigan and several surrounding states under his management as well as75 units for homeless Vets in Battle Creek in the planning stage, he is very busy.  But not too busy to give back to the community through Rotary.  Welcome Marv!

Announcements

D. Terry Williams reminded us that nominations are due Wednesday April 11 for the Rotary Red Rose Citation.  A reminder: This Citation may be awarded to a man, woman or couple, and is not restricted to Rotarians.  Turn in completed nomination forms to Jean Forrest or any Red Rose Committee member.

Dan Hartlieb, under apparent pressure from “Mr. Fitness” PDG, PP Karl Sandelin, reminded us that FIT 2007 starts April 15 and “runs” through October 14 this year.  Contact  www.fit2007.org for more information.

Twelve Russian business people are coming April 26 to the Park Club.  Rotary members are invited to attend.  See President Drew’s special email for more details. 

Program for the Day

Gordon Bolar, development director for WMUK FM radio at WMU, gave an interesting preview and background on the StoryCorps Mobile recording booth that will be stationed in Bronson Park from April 5 to 28.  This national oral-history project created in 2003 to record the stories of ordinary and not so ordinary Americans will be in Kalamazoo under the auspices of and staffed by radio WMUK and Volunteers.  Some 126 people will record their life experiences and personal stories by the end of its stay in Kalamazoo.

People interested in requesting interview spots should call  (800) 805-4406.  According to Bolar there is a $10 fee for those able to pay.  The fee may be waived for those unable to pay,

Each session takes about 45 to 60 minutes and for those participating a CD recording of the interview will be given to the interviewees.  The recordings will also be forwarded to the Library of Congress and excerpts may aired on National Public Radio ( NPR). 

For more information on StoryCorps, visit www.storycorps.net