Several Rotarians gathered on the Zoom call shortly after noon to check in and socialize for a bit. At 12:35, the video showing the rotary bell ringing kicked off the official meeting. President Rosemarie Rowney introduced Tom Strode on his piano, who in turn led the members in singing our National Anthem. Dennis Powers provided the Inspirational message in honor of our speaker today. The inspiration was the story “The Butterfly” and it reminded us that we need support the people around us while they work through their struggles in order to help them fly.

President Rowney welcomed all of the members in what she called our first “coast-to-coast meeting” with guests including John Ackenhusen (from the west coast) and Sally Petersen (from the east coast), also guests of our speaker, Collyer Smith. Our humble Zoom call had well over 100 people in attendance!

She also thanked our set up team consisting of Lori Walters, Lauren Heinonen and John White; our photographer, Fred Beutler, Reporter, Kathy Waugh and attendance takers, Barbara Eichmuller and Lauren Heinonen. Birthdays were also acknowledged.

Board Meeting Update

President Rowney discussed the Board Meeting that was held Wednesday morning surrounding the difficult conversations regarding our Covid-19 response. The board specifically discussed how our funds could be reallocated to help. What we’ve already done includes $26,500 for Rotary Fights Hunger (totaling 160,000 meals) and $10,100 toward the 100K Mask Challenge . . . totaling $36,600 allocated so far.

What else can we do?

• Disaster response committee (formerly international Humanitarian) ($2,100)
• Reallocate resources for use by Disaster Committee ($11,000)
• Community Allocations Committee will award to community organization ($61,000)
• Total – $74,100

We have a total available now of $110,700 for Covid-19 Response

The board deliberated on whether to use our endowment fund. They ultimately decided not to withdraw principal from the foundation in accordance with the bylaws of the foundation.

100K Mask Challenge – Ashish Sarkar

Our club has made a commitment of $10,100 toward this effort and a total of over $84,000 has been received from a variety of clubs. Our initial goal is 100,000 masks targeting the district including St. Joes, UofM and VA hospitals in Ann Arbor. We need to accrue additional money to get this program going full-speed (it requires up to $300K). To provide a secure donation go to http://rotary100k.org/.

Community Allocations – Peg Talburtt

The Community Allocations Committee received 44 proposals. All applicants were asked if they needed to refine or rescind their proposals due to the stay at home order. These communications recently went out and decisions will be made in early May.

Guest Speaker – Past President Collyer Smith

Tom Millard then introduced our Speaker: Past President Collyer Smith. His heartfelt and touching topic regarding “A Parents Journey and Mental Health”, was a loving tribute to his son, Cam, who suffered from depression and anxiety. Collyer took us through his journey with vivid detail, especially regarding a program in Southern California that was a positive experience for Cam. After five months in the program, Cam wanted to come home from Christmas. His counselor voted against it because the stress and anxiety of the holidays would be such a horrible trigger for a relapse. They planned a visit home in mid-January instead. Cam tragically succumbed from an overdose on January 12, 2018 – less than two days after he arrived home.

The CDC recorded 67,367 drug overdose deaths in 2018 but as Collyer pointed out, the number of people affected by these deaths is astronomical.

Mental health is not a choice, it’s a disease. How can we help? Collyer is spearheading the AA Marathon 2021 – solely dedicated to mental health. In addition to a marathon, there will also be sections for walkers and shorter races. $3 of the registration fee will go to the mental health organizations that will participate. An Expo will be held the day before the race. Toastmasters International is collaborating as well. A newsletter will provide mental health resources. If you want to support, help, volunteer, anything, there’s only one email you need to know: collyerasmith@yahoo.com. He’s doing this so Cam and the people we care about will continue to be heard.

President Rowney ended the meeting by thanking everyone for all they do to help everyone in the community. The meeting was adjourned with the bell video at 1:33PM.

Notes by Kathy Waugh; photos by Fred Beutler