Haslett-Okemos Rotary

Today was our belated President's transition. Outgoing President Jon Lundy had several announcements, Marna Wilson received her Paul Harris 6, then Jon turned it over to J.J. Burchman for award presentations. Jon then officially swore in Duke Anderson as the President for 2024-25. Congratulations to all!

At last week's meeting, we were joined by Okemos High School student Arnalda Zhao, who was awarded one of our Club’s $1,000 scholarships, and her mother, Mei.
Our speaker was Janet Blackwell, chair of the Rotary District 6360's Mental Health Committee.

Rain has put a damper on our annual golf outing today. We will keep you posted on this but for now, today’s annual fundraiser has been canceled due to soaked fields from the rain.

Come visit our sponsor tent at the 1st Concert at the Park of the year!

This week's speaker: Tom Sikkema from Ride Your Way. Interesting business and interesting life story!

At today's meeting, three Rotarians received from President Jon Lundy their Paul Harris pins for contributions to the RI Annual Fund: Tom Minter +2, Duke Anderson +3 and Christine Tenaglia, DDS +6. Your generosity supports many local and international humanitarian grant projects.

Haslett High School student Mallory Pinkelman was our student of the month on April 30. She was joined by her parents, presenting teacher, Superintendent Steve Cook and Club President Elect Duke Anderson. Congratulations Mallory!

The Student of the Month who was recognized on April 23 Vikasini Survi from Okemos High School. Also pictured is her proud Dad Sreenadt Survi, presenting teacher Kristen Heethuis and Club President Jon Lundy. Congratulations!

CONGRATULATIONS to our Club's 2024 Hero, Michael Hamel "Dependable Leader", who was recognized at the District 6360 District Conference on May 4 in Kalamazoo. Mike is a dedicated Club member and also a real life hero as the Fire Chief of Meridian Township.

Rita Katial and Abigail Gunter provided an inspiring presentation on the history, growth, and community Activism of the MSU Rotaract.

Members of MSU Rotaract have the opportunity to travel to work on service projects and attend conferences, serve in leadership positions, and develop skills such as project planning, event coordination, and public speaking—all while forming lifelong friendships and connections. Rotaract is a university-based nonprofit organization for undergraduate and graduate students and a partner of Rotary International. MSU Rotaract is dedicated to providing service at both a local and international level.

This month they host their final meeting of the semester but not before we have a chance to say thank you for all of the work and support you give to the community! Follow their activism on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rotaractmsu?igsh=YjFzM3k4NWQ4MDF5

Last month, the Haslett-Okemos Rotary Club recognized Student of The Month Recipient Anushri Welipitiya.

The students chosen for this award demonstrate exemplary leadership skills, active participation in school-related activities, and a commitment to serving their community and beyond.

Anushri is involved in many activities and organizations including Okemos Outreach, the Greater Lansing Branch of AYLUS, NHS, Student Council, Chemists Without Borders, Educate Lanka Foundation, Inc., as well as many others.

Congratulations Anushri!



Pictured from L to R with former English teacher Dawn Reed, Anushri, parents, and Totary President Jon Lundy.

In March we thanked Paul Harris Fellows Chris Silker, Tammy Lemmer, Marna Wilson.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.

Today's speaker, Samantha Harkins from Hundred Place Consulting introducing us to the campaign, Lansing Be Our Neighbor. Also checkout https://lansing501.com/

Haslett High School Rotary Student of the Month , Braiden Corewell, will attend MSU's College of Music in the fall. Yes he is 7 feet tall!
Today's speakers, Brady Broderick and Michael Gardyko Jr. from Greater Lansing Food Bank provided an update on the GLFB and the Weekend Survival Kit project.

Today our weekly meeting had a very important presentation from AARP Fraud Prevention’s Rich Howard and how intelligent scammers have become and what we need to watch out for.

Today our speaker was new Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Wisinski introducing herself to the members in attendance and providing an overview of the Parks Department. Thank you Courtney!!!

During today’s meeting we took a moment of silence to remember MSU one year later.

Our student of the month, Haslett High School senior Ian Claassens with his parents, Superintendent Steven Cook, President Jon Lundy and Teacher Ms. Nicole Hart.
Today's speaker, Erica Phillipich, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach for MSU College of Medicine.

Today's Student of the Month was Dorcas Choti from Haslett High School. Accompanied by Superintendent Cook, her teacher and parents. Congratulations! This was followed by a Club Assembly announced by President Jon Lundy.

If you missed today's meeting, you missed a lot! President Jon Lundy presented Paul Harris multiple level awards to Marna Wilson (4) and Christine Tenaglia, DDS (5), then Okemos H.S. student of the month Akshaya Chinnakonda with her Mom and teacher Christina Abbott, then Rotarian Chris Silker's excellent presentation on local and national real estate trends as well as lot of Happy Bucks for the University of MIchigan football national champions with Rotarians Christine Tenaglia and J.J. Burchman (missed getting a picture of him!) honoring their alma mater with their outfits.

Today was the BIG day, delivery of holiday food boxes to 100 residents at Grange Acres. We are appreciative of the assistance of Katie Love from Meridian Cares who organized the recipients and to the Township DPW staff that picked up the food and assisted with the actual distribution of 10 LB food boxes, large frozen chickens and beverages. Thank you Rotarians for assisting our community members in having a nicer holiday!

Fellow Rotarian and Township Trustee Marna Wilson shared the huge need for meals and shelter to address food insecurities and homelessness in the Lansing region. She has been volunteering and assisting with serving those in need for over 11 years.

Thank you Marna!

Members Leslie Shanilan and J.J. Burchman received their Paul Harris awards today from President Jon Lundy, congratulations for supporting the Annual Fund!
Our speaker today was member Carrie Hindmon sharing her 2023 Tax Update, a popular annual presentation.

During our weekly meeting, one of our speakers was Executive Director of the Parkwood YMCA, Krista Byer who provided an overview and update on the 50 year facility and upcoming changes. She also provided some fun facts on the Y and Camp PaWaPi in Williamston.

Some exciting changes to the camp include reopening the rock climbing wall and zip lining, sports fields, pickleball courts, and Gaga Pits. She also stated that half the members are Silver Sneakers Members.

Congratulations to Members Phil Deschaine and Betty Mercer on achieving the next level of Paul Harris Award.

The Paul Harris Fellowship program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

To learn more about the foundation and how contributions help on a global scale: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation

It's that time of year. Calling all Club Rotarians to make their annual pledge for the holiday food box project. The food is provided to seniors at Grange Acres. Contact Amanda to make your pledge. This year the Club is assisted by a grant from the District 6360 Rotary Foundation grant program.

The MABA Expo is back! Join us at the Meridian Mall today until 4:00 pm.

This week we congratulate our Haslett Student of the month Rylan Nelson!

Haslett Teacher, and Coach; Adam Fisher teacher and football coach introduced Rylan as a bright spot, and leader in the classroom who not only fights for herself but others as well. He also described Rylan as not being afraid to ask for help as well; calling her sn “Amazing human”.

Rylan is a Haslett senior who loves having Mr. fisher as her first hour teacher in the am who helps get her energized for the day. She has received many medals and awards for swimming including qualifying for junior Olympics in swimming. She is the swim senior captain and loves playing water polo in the spring calling it water soccer with hands. She lives working at Gold Fish swim school which has taught her patience and trust.

Congratulations Rylan!

Don’t forget that our own Jon Lundy is being recognized on October 22. This is a very prestigious award and we hope our Rotarians can show support and join this celebration.

Everyone is invited! All Alumni, Eagle Scouts, Friends; Adults and kids - gather and celebrate with us!

Great day for Eagle Scouts to connect at and celebrate with us!
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