Our own Mark and Mary Murray spoke about the exciting “Launch Lenawee” project they are spearheading that is patterned after the very successful Launch Detroit program sponsored by a number of other clubs in District 6400.
Mark spoke first about the Adrian Armory – the site he and Mary own and purchased one year ago. The facility – “a real feature of this community” – is 22,000 square foot, three floors and was built in 1924 and was home to the Michigan National Guard. Phase one, Mark said, was completed on the first and second floors. The next phase will focus on improvements to the lower level. Mark thanked Bob Behnke for donating three stained glass panels for the front window of the building. The school system also donated much woodwork that has been refurbished from the old McKinley School building before it was demolished that was used to build a bar.
Mark said that two full time tenants have already signed leases and that Justin Gifford from the Lenawee Visitors Bureau is assisting with this process while Mary is the official Events Manager. “Launch Lenawee is part of what Adrian Area Investment Accelerator group is attempting to do which is to get us to put some of our resources back into the community”, Mark said. They are in the process of filing for 501(c)3 status. The Armory Project is a non-profit organization and will be operated by a board of directors. Mark said he “will be looking for all sorts of continuing support from the community as well as other opportunities the Adrian Armory can be used as a real resource for Lenawee County.”
Mary reminded members of PDG Larry Wright’s presentation to our club last fall when he spoke about the successful Launch Detroit Campaign where several Downriver clubs teamed up to spearhead this program which has since been recognized as one of the top 10 programs in the world by the United Nations for its overall merit and success. Launch Detroit helps young ambitious people and entrepreneurs stay in their communities and develop their businesses through mentoring and financial assistance. This model, Mary said, fit precisely into what she and Mark envisioned for this community and the Armory will provide the space for this to happen. There is a large kitchen in the lower level, she said, and will be looking to start an incubator program with that once it is refurbished which they estimate will take $100,000 to accomplish this.
As indicated on the printed materials the Murray’s distributed - Launch Lenawee is a small business development incubator project developed to fill the need for support to small local startups that currently are not served by other means. The pillars of the program include mentoring, education programs, micro loans and networking.
What a great project this is! Mark and Mary envision many members of this very club will be able to contribute their professional expertise should they wish to serve as mentors for young entrepreneurs as the incubator project gains traction and is fully operational. Thanks folks. Looking forward to being involved! Best of luck to you both!
Festive Easter Arrangements Today – Thanks to Susan and Kathye for the beautiful table decorations to commemorate the upcoming Easter holiday!
New Name Badges – Finally! What a refreshing site it was at today’s meeting with everyone donning brand new club badges thanks to Susan and Allen. They were long overdue. These should last us another 50 years!! Thanks you two!
RIF Donations – Chair Mike Olsaver reported that so far there has been $4,110 contributed to the drive this year toward our club goal of $5,600. If you have not already, please be sure and contribute to this cause so that our club will be eligible for district grants next year.
Pathways Engagement Center – To remind members - the issues the City of Adrian had at this location have been resolved and we can move forward with the fencing that needs to be placed around the proposed patio area alongside the building. Be ready to volunteer when the time comes to help out the Adrian Morning Club.
New T-Shirts – Susan announced that a sheet will be passed around for anyone who would like a new T with our club name and Rotary logo. The will be about $10 each depending on the size. Be sure and get yours. They look great!
Meals on Wheels – Additional help is still needed. If you can spare 2 hours each month, please contact Rhonda. A very rewarding program for people who are in need.
Upcoming Programs:
April 5 - Fatmy Abed - Director of International Studies at SHU
April 12 – Randy Lighthall - Habitat Restore
April 19 – Member Moments – Pattie Ellerholz & Chuck Davis
April 26 – Kathye Herrera
DATES TO REMEMBER
April 7 – Speed Interviewing – Barry encouraged as many members to attend as possible. It is an opportunity between 10am and 1pm for students to engage with professionals on important interviewing techniques and gain experience about interviewing in general. Students will be looking for feedback about things they did right and things they could do better so as to prepare them for the time they will all be interviewing for “real” jobs when they graduate. Please contact Barry if you can help.
April 14 – District Assembly – Thus far only 4 members have signed up to attend. The individual fee for anyone attending will be paid for by the club. Program runs from 8am-12 noon that day at Schoolcraft College. A great learning and collaboration experience for all.
April 21 – Tree Planting Project – BE SURE TO VOLUNTEER FOR THIS! We will be kicking off the community-wide tree planting effort. We will be planting 56 Sugar Maple trees – one for each member of our club. The come in 10 gallon pots and are 8 feet tall. We will also partner with the Adrian Morning Club who will be planting 22 more trees. They cost $110 each. We are looking for members who might want to purchase their own tree and another $50 to plant them but Luke said he encourages members to plant their own trees. Trees will be planted in different parts of the city primarily on school property like AHS and Michener and Prairie Elementary and will be designated with a small plaque. This project is tied into this year’s RI President’s goal of planting one tree for every Rotarian (1.2 million) in the world. Nate said that when it is all said and done, over 2 million trees will actually be planted! If you’re interested in doing this please see Prez Nate or Luke. Gerry Burg announced that AHS is planning on “A Rotary Grove of Trees” on their property!
May 3-6 – District Conference – What a great opportunity to meet fellow Rotarians from the district and learn more about Rotary. Fabulous speakers, lunches, dinners and keynote speakers. Be sure and take advantage of the scholarships if you are a first time attendee. Contact President Nate if you are interested. Would love a great turnout!
May 4 & 5 – Pathways Engagement Center Worker Bee - with Morning Club members. Be on the lookout for more information. Need all hands on deck.
May 5 - E-Purity’s Graduation – REMEMBER: Purity will graduate from Siena Heights University and that should anyone wish to attend Purity could secure the necessary tickets. Just let Patty know if you can attend.
May 6 – Great Lakes Woodworking Festival - Luke will be looking for the club to assist again this year from 11am – 6pm. The GLWF is bringing together the best woodworkers from the Great Lakes region, ranging from several different woodworking disciplines and will showcase over 35 woodworking artists who will be selling their homemade goods. The event will also feature free classes, demonstrations, and prizes. It is 100% free to the public. Luke distributed full-color posters and asked members to post them at their businesses.
May 20 - E-RaceStigma5k Run– The event that will take place again this year. Our club will help with the Kid’s Fun Run event first thing the morning (8:30am-9:30am) of the race. We’ll need 10 volunteers and a sign-up sheet will be passed around at future meetings. More info coming. Visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Adrian/ERaceStigma5K
May 21 – Strokes for Students Golf Outing – Looks like we’ll have a full foursome for this.
June 21 – Joint Changeover Dinner - with the Morning Club. More info coming
September 22 – Lenawee Bike Tour - If you cannot serve on the committee but can help out during the actual one-day event on Saturday, September 22nd, please send Chip an e-mail to let him know. This year’s event will be a “timed” event for the more serious riders and begin at the Armory! Along with that, something for families and children (like a “slow” ride and scavenger hunt possibly) is being planned.
GUESTS: Bob Behnke – guest of Dane Nelson; Junior Rotarians replacements Lauren Winans and Erica Casarez.
Junior Rotarians
The Adrian Noon Rotary Club's Junior Rotarians for the month of April are students Adrian High School - Laura Winans (left) and Erica Casarez. Laura will be attending Washtenaw Community College in the fall to earn a degree in Art and transfer to EMU for a degree in psychology. Her long term goals include working in a local police office or FBI as an investigator. Her hobbies include crafts, interior decorating, fashion, nails, sports and working. Erica will be attending JCC in the fall and will be working on a career in nursing. Her goal is to graduate with a Nursing Degree. Her hobbies include running and meeting new people.
2018-19 RI President Barry Rassin wants Rotary members to Be the Inspiration
Rassin, a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, unveiled the 2018-19 presidential theme, Be the Inspiration, to incoming district governors at Rotary’s International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA. “I want you to inspire in your clubs, your Rotarians, that desire for something greater. The drive to do more, to be more, to create something that will live beyond each of us.”
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Our own Mark and Mary Murray spoke about the exciting “Launch Lenawee” project they are spearheading that is patterned after the very successful Launch Detroit program sponsored by a number of other clubs in District 6400.
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May 3-6 – District Conference – What a great opportunity to meet fellow Rotarians from the district and learn more about Rotary. Fabulous speakers, lunches, dinners and keynote speakers. Be sure and take advantage of the scholarships if you are a first time attendee. Contact President Nate if you are interested. Would love a great turnout!.JPG)
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The Adrian Noon Rotary Club's Junior Rotarians for the month of April are students Adrian High School - Laura Winans (left) and Erica Casarez. Laura will be attending Washtenaw Community College in the fall to earn a degree in Art and transfer to EMU for a degree in psychology. Her long term goals include working in a local police office or FBI as an investigator. Her hobbies include crafts, interior decorating, fashion, nails, sports and working. Erica will be attending JCC in the fall and will be working on a career in nursing. Her goal is to graduate with a Nursing Degree. Her hobbies include running and meeting new people.
