by Ingrid Nova | Sep 14, 2014 | Events, Notable News for Members, President's Message
On September 11, 2014 East Lansing Rotarian, Dr. John Dunn passed away after a brief illness. In his obituary was included the following words from John:
“I have had time to reflect about my life, a member of a large loving family, with each addition bringing joy in his or her own way. I can smile as I hear: “remember grandpa’s rule ‘always be nice!'” Adding friends over the years just made my life more meaningful and joyful.
Yet my main memory is of Judy slipping her hand into mine some 51 years ago. She never let go. As a completely special and unique lady, and my true love, I was able to travel life well. I thanked her after, as I do now, for the care of our family, friends and especially me.
I enjoyed studying many things; especially medicine. Saying the phrase “May I help you?” was important to me. I tried to help family, friends, residents, staff, patients and especially Judy. I especially enjoyed teaching struggling second graders.
For my last lesson, I ask the reader, today, to take out a clean sheet of paper. Carefully print “Now!” on it. Please date and sign it. From time to time take it out and reflect about your note. If there is a “Now!” in your life please consider doing it. It’s sad for me to know I must leave, especially to leave my love, Judy. I am going to “another home”, with my LORD’s support. I trust I will travel well. -John S. Dunn, M.D. ”
The members of the East Lansing Rotary Club extend their deepest sympathy to the Dunn family.
by Ingrid Nova | Aug 18, 2014 | Celebrations, Events, Playground in the Park
August 4th, 2014 was a great day for the City of East Lansing and the East Lansing Rotary Club, a great day to celebrate a new park. Over 4 ½ years of work culminated in a community celebration of the completion of the Playground In the Park Re-Imagined. Not even an epic thunderstorm could dampen the day – shorten the ceremony, yes, but dampen the spirits of those attending – not a chance!
Sweet Celebration
It was a sweet celebration in many ways. To see East Lansing Rotarian and now East Lansing Mayor Nathan Triplett deftly manage the rapidly compressed recognition ceremony; to welcome all of the major sponsors and donors for special recognition; to witness Project Chairperson, John Saltzgaber, receive a standing ovation; to enjoy special commemorative cookies and ice cream; and best of all to see the children in absolute joy over the long-awaited brand new play space. It was sweet indeed.
Safety Surface
Stepping foot for the first time on the special poured in place safety surface brings the benefit of this surface to life as the surface gives way underfoot and springs back. Knowing that this equipment is safe, eco-friendly, long –lasting, and handicap accessible says the community got it right when they asked for all of these qualities during the planning sessions.
The Past and Future Meet
This project is truly a capstone event for the East Lansing Rotary Club, and perfectly aligns with the 1995 Playground Project which first fired the imagination of the community – also spearheaded by the East Lansing Rotary Club. It is fitting that when the permanent signage arrives in a few months, there will be a special sign commemorating all of the 1995 Park Donors. To learn how you can still be part of the new park celebration contact saltzgaberj@comcast.net
by Ingrid Nova | Jul 6, 2014 | Foundation and Fund Raising, Rotary International News
A healthy safe drinking water project was spearheaded by East Lansing Rotarian, Dr. Omero Iung. Through his leadership an international partnership between three Rotary Clubs – East Lansing Rotary Club, Lansing Rotary Club in Michigan’s Capital of Lansing, and Rotary Club General Camara of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil was established in the Fall of 2013. The mission was to create healthy, safe drinking water in local schools from General Camara, Brazil.
Funding the Fountains
Both the Lansing and East Lansing Rotary Club’s donated $2,500, for a total of $5,000 towards the project plan of purchasing and installing 10 drinking fountains. The Rotary Club of General Camara took responsibility for acquiring, installing the fountains and educating the community on water preservation. In October of 2013 the funds were received from the United States. Due to the favorable exchange rate of the dollar to reais, Rotarians of General Camara were able to acquire one additional drinking fountain.
Installing the Fountains
Installation of the 11 fountains commenced in November of 2013, and the project was completed in March of 2014 with a break between December and February for the annual school holiday. Follows is a list of schools and the number of fountains:
- City Elementary School Oraida Pereira in Passo da Taquara – 1
- City Elementary School Trajano Azambja in Boqueirao – 1
- City Elementary School Maria Jose in Potreiro – 2
- City Elementary School Padre Ely in Banheiro Velho– 1
- City Elementary School Mathias in Boca da Picada – 1
- State High School Joao Cannabarro in the county seat – 1
- Municipal School of Child Education Norberto Fagundes Ribeiro in the county seat – 2
- State Institute of Education Vasconcelos Jardim in the county seat – 2
It is estimated that 1,500 students and 500 teacher, staff, administrators and visitors will enjoy the benefit of consistently delivered healthy and safe drinking water. In addition, the local Rotary Club coordinated talks by experts on the importance of water preservation and the rational use of water with the expectation that those messages would be carried home to families and communities.
Dr. Omero Iung sampling the drinking water.
Congratulations to all Rotary partners for a successful project completed.
For a complete copy of the report which outlined detailed costs related to this project may contact Dr. Omero Iung c/o the East Lansing Rotary Club
by Ingrid Nova | Jun 24, 2014 | Playground in the Park
An army of hard-working volunteers got the Community Build portion of the Playground in the Park build done. Despite hot and humid weather on Monday and Tuesday, June 16 and 17, plus a rainy start on Wednesday, work for the Community Build portion of the Playground in the Park Re-Imagined has progressed very well. Just a few slides remained to be put in place and concrete to be poured into post holes.
Community volunteers planning on helping on Thursday and Friday were contacted to let them know that their services would not be required.
City of East Lansing and Contractors Still Have Work to Do
It is anticipated that there is 4 to 6 weeks before the new play space will be ready for the public. Items remaining to be completed:
- The remainder of the plantings for the rain garden
- Additional walkways leading to the play space
- More landscaping beds to be planted
- Benches to be installed around the perimeter of the play space
- Preparation of the entire site for the poured in place safety surface
- Installation of the entry plaza and pergola including the brick paved area
Community Can Still Help
The entry plaza has been designed to acknowledge sponsors on permanent signage as well as to provide opportunities for families and community members to support the park with a commemorative brick. The brick pavers come in two sizes: 8×4 for $100, and 8×8 for $150. “The plaza as designed has room for 800 pavers and it was our hope that the community would help us complete the funding by purchasing these bricks,” said Rotary Project Chairperson John Saltzgaber. “To date, we have sold nearly 200 pavers but we have a way to go. In order to get the pavers engraved and ready for installation we have set a deadline of July 15th for brick purchases.”
Those interested in purchasing a brick or two, or even to sponsor can visit the following website for more information: www.cityofeastlansing.com/playgroundinthepark
Community Caution
The play space will be fenced and locked for safety purposes, and to keep the project on schedule. City officials are requesting that people refrain from entering the play space until the formal dedication in early August.
by Ingrid Nova | Jun 6, 2014 | Events, Pancakes in the Park, Playground in the Park
Sunday June 8th the forecast calls for morning showers and warm temperatures. “A little rain never stopped us,” quipped the Pancakes in the Park Chairperson, Josh Clayton. “We plan on making and serving pancakes like we always do, so come on out and see us on Sunday morning.”
The annual community service fundraiser, a signature event for the East Lansing Rotary Club, is scheduled for Sunday June 8th from 7:00am to 12:30pm in the covered picnic pavilion at Patriarche Park, Alton Street and Haslett Road in East Lansing. The menu includes coffee, juice, pancakes, sausage and grilled apples. Tickets are $5.00 each and kids 5 and under EAT FREE.
This Sunday visitors to Pancakes in the Park will also get a good look at the site preparation for the Playground in the Park, Re-Imagined. The Community Build for the playground is set to begin on June 16th and continue through the 19th (rain make-up day on the 20th). Volunteers are still needed to help with the build and Community Support opportunities include engraved brick pavers (4×8 or 8×8) perfect for families or businesses. Look for more details at the Park on Sunday, or go to: www.cityofeastlansing.com/playgroundinthepark
So, on your way to church or the park, toss your rain gear and umbrellas in the car and get ready for a fun day in the park!
