Sandra Bliesener, Editarian

After President Jim McIntyre welcomed Rotarians and guests to the meeting, Jean Forrest gave the invocation, Richard Piet gave the WKZO version of the day's news, and Elaine Williams informed us about what's happening in the arts around Kalamazoo.

Visiting Rotarians:  Cindy Carter from the Parchment Club and Matt Lechel from Rotaract were introduced by Table Hosts.

Guests of Rotarians:  Jeff Ross introduced Rev. Seth Weeldryer; Cindy Carter introduced Roger Mills; Deb Russell introduced Nancy Servoss; PP Jerry Mason introduced his wife Betty; Bob Kent introduced Matt Lager; Bill Wood introduced Dwayne Mason and Ron Barrette; Barb Miller introduced Kathy Peterson; and today's speaker Rick Stravers introduced Jari Pulford, TinaMarie Michaels-Chapin, Al Logan, Erika Herbert, Stephanie Hoffman-Hulbert and Rodney Hulbert.

Songs:  John  Dillworth and Tim Kilmartin led us through "What a Wonderful World".

Membership and Announcements: 

Thell Woods, Membership Committee Chair, introduced County Commissioner Jack Urban.  Jack was born in Kankakee, Illinois and spent his youth moving around the country with his family.  After college he came to Kalamazoo to work at Upjohn.  He considered Michigan to be very progressive after living in South Carolina and decided to stay.  Jack retired from the Upjohn Company in 1998, then taught chemistry and became involved with ISAAC before running for the County Commission.  He is currently serving in his second term as Commissioner, but also finds time to enjoy spending time with his wife Carol and two grown sons Sam and Ben; along with biking, photography and video production.  Welcome Jack!

Dick Weaver was called to the podium to exchange his red badge for a blue one.  Dick has been a Rotarian elsewhere (and a Visiting Rotarian at our club) for many years, but has successfully completed his first year as a member of our club.

Rob Peterson, Club contributions Committee Chair, presented a check to fellow Rotarian Don Jones.  Don explained that the $1,000.00 grant was added to a pool of money donated from many sources to bring 250 Americorp workers to Kalamazoo.  15 teams worked for one and a half days along the Kalamazoo River and on the north side to clean up, plant, paint, work on Habitat for Humanity projects, and resurrect a playground in a new location.  The project was a great success, and the goal is to repeat it annually. 

Happy $s

Tim Light gave for Thell Woods and Jack Urban

Dan Busby gave for his and Steward Sandstrom's participation in the Physically Strong Triathlon

Bill Rose gave thanks to everyone at the Nature Center and in the community who make his job easy, allowing him to be the recipient of the prestigious Leadership Award from the Association of Nature Center Administrators.

Jennifer Barlament gave for her parent's celebration of their 70^th wedding anniversary.

Kristin Chesak gave for Tim Kilmartin's participation at a Civic Theater get-together

Dave Boutell gave for his wife's third hole in one in golf

Juan Olivarez and Steward Sandstrom both gave for the Right to Literacy scroll that will be coming to the Kalamazoo Public Library on Thursday at 9 am.

Don Jones gave for Habitat for Humanity

The Program:

Barb Miller introduced Rick Stravers, Executive Director of Open Door Next Door, which is being renamed Open Doors as it celebrates its 40^th anniversary.  Open Doors was established in 1970 by a group of Christians as a drop-in center to build relationships of support and caring with low-income urban young people. When it was discovered that many of these young men and women had nowhere to live, they expanded their focus to include overnight shelter, food, and personal support and encouragement for a better life. 

Open Doors offers two separate programs: a self-help program for homeless young adults to help them get employed and save 30% of their earnings for future home ownership; and development and management of affordable housing units.  Open Doors define the homeless as those who are unable to afford housing, so they work with volunteers to create housing in the community to meet the needs of low wage earners.  Rick introduced Al Logan and Erika Herbert who have benefited from the services that Open Doors provides, and moved the crowd with their gratefulness to this organization for helping them turn their lives around. 

We can help Open Doors continue their fantastic work in the community through three separate avenues:

            Providing financial support

            Organizing volunteer groups to help with housing needs

            Partnering with them to provide work opportunities for the people they serve.