12:31 Zoom Etiquette – Lori Walters
Lori welcomed everyone to the meeting.
12:30 “Ring the Bell” Patriotic Song – Tom Strode
12:32 Inspiration – Rosemarie Rowney
In recognition of “Women’s History Month”, Rosemarie Rowney shared “today’s inspiration” which was focused on famous women in science and literature, including Marie Curie and other female Nobel Winners. The beautiful quote, “Nevertheless, she persisted” was referenced throughout the update. Rotary salutes all of the women in Rotary.
12:34 Steve Pierce sang a dramatic and beautiful rendition of a song describing the importance of community and venturing outdoors, even during rainy weather.
12:37 Dawn Johnson officially welcomed all members and guests to the meeting. Thank Yous’ were announced for the meeting coordinators, Lori Walters, Jim Egerdal & Steve Kesler, Reporter Sofia Nordenstam and Photographer Fred Beutler
Dawn went on to share the list of recent and upcoming birthdays: 3/24-Susan Froelich, 3/25- Susan Smith, 3/26-Roger Fraser & Eli Savit
12:40 Dawn went on to share that Rotary Ann Arbor Club has had 11 female presidents since the landmark Supreme Court decision in 1987, an impressive number to be proud of. Among these 11 presidents, Patricia Garcia, Ingrid Sheldon and Nishta Bhatia were present, and all three took the stage during the meeting and spoke of their experiences and contributions to Rotary.
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12:55 Don Duquette introduced Jennifer Hall, the official speaker of the March 23rd meeting, on her topic: “Affordable Housing in Ann Arbor”, followed by presenting next week’s speaker Eli Savit and topic: “One Year Update: building a More Sustainable Criminal Justice System”.
13:00 Jennifer Hall, Executive Director at the Ann Arbor Housing Commission shared her presentation, where she provided details, imagery and the strategic plan for development of more than 10 buildings in Ann Arbor. The major focuses of the Ann Arbor Housing Commission includes identifying and working with:
- City diversity
- Homelessness
- Environmental stewardness
- Median incomes versus national median incomes
Jennifer also shared a bubble graph displaying a few of the main guidelines established by the Ann Arbor City Council:
- Development
- Leverage
- Sustainability
- Permanent Affordability
After her presentation concluded, an active discussion concerning access to affordable housing was sparked, including questions regarding vouchers, waitlists to join in order to receive housing and other related qualifications to participate. A well received and important topic for a presentation at RAAC and Rotary thanks Jennifer Hall for her work at the Ann Arbor Housing Commission!
Quote for the Day: Not everyone can be famous, but everyone can be great because greatness is determined by service.
Martin Luther King
13:30 Meeting concluded. Ring the bell, May you all have a good week!
In Rotary, Sofia Nordenstam- Reporter
