Rotary News

Kalamazoo Rotary - June 11

Visiting Rotarians:  Betty Lee Ongley, Jim Hendricks

Guests:  Cathy Colella, Martha Ales, Ann Mehring, Patrick Socra, Jeff Nord, Pimlada Chamermanit, Larry Nichols, Charlie Robertson, John Schultz.

Committee reports:

Group Study Exchange:  Greta Williams reported on her trip to Korea - brought flags from 6 clubs, visited their district conference, gave Drew a t-shirt and had a wonderful experience!

Rotary golf outing is June 30^th - $200/team.

Family of Rotary comm.:  Kathleen Tosco encouraged us to sign up for the dinner for 8 project - lots of fun!

Happy $$'s:  Phil Carter for the Promise - his daughter graduated #1 in her class from Loy Norrix, and thanks to all who have contributed to the Y; Bob Kent's son graduated from Harvard Law School; Mark Pawlowski - thanks to Dr. Arthur James; Greta Williams - son was married in the Virgin Islands; John Dillworth - son won 3 gold medals in Special Olympics - (would be a good worker this summer for heavy lifting work!); Bill Woods - wife awarded top columnist in Michigan; Marvin Ludwig - 56^th wedding anniversary; Terry Bullard - arrived here 50 years ago - has a new ballet she created about the life of Jane Ayre - June 30^th; Jerry Albertson - attended SmartShop at art fair; Jean Forrest - basement buck.

New Member Proposals:  The following have been proposed for membership.  All have been approved by the Membership and Classification Committees.  Any comments or objections must be received by the administrative secretary within 10 days.  Larry Nichols of Stonegate Mortgages by Thell Woods, classification: Banking; Steward Sandstrom of Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce by Judy Moore, classification: Foundations, Boards and Associations; Milton H. Wells of Open Door Ministries by Thell Woods, classification:  Religion; Jeff Nord of Wm. D. Nord Jewelers by Jerry Mason, classification:  Jewelry and Precious Metals.

Program:  Jan Karpus introduced Holly Fisher - owner and creator of the SmartShop art gallery.  She started in 2002.  Recently purchased a building on the North side - has created a garden of metal sculpture with her students.  She has received grants from many organizations as well as the City of Kalamazoo and Cool City Grant.  The school offers a variety of classes, workshops and seminars.  She displays her own work as well as those of her students, inters and staff.  She works with a group of minority kids at risk creating railings for Habitat for Humanity homes.  Her students range in age from 7-80.  Come see her studio!