Today’s meeting was called to order by President Roy.  We sang America the Beautiful and the membership, 35 in person and 12 on Zoom, then proceeded to recite the 4-way test.

For his inspirational message, Greg Steskjal continued an annual tradition of reciting the Gettysburg Address during a mid-October meeting.  Before reciting the address, Greg provided some historical context:  the Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War with 51,000 casualties. The Address was delivered by President Lincoln in November 1863 at the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 

Today’s musical selection, led by Ingrid Sheldon was the 1960’s hit, ‘Downtown’, and selected in honor of our featured speaker and topic today, The Ark, located in downtown Ann Arbor.

President Roy provided thanks to all of today’s meeting helpers – from mike runners to greeters and everyone in between.  Five birthdays were announced for Alexis Antracoli, Michael Barg, Matthew VanBesien, Mary Jean Raab and Arthus Di Blassio.  We also announced the birthday of longtime member, Fred Beutler, who’s birthday on October 3 was a milestone event – turning 100!  Don’t forget – the reception honoring Fred on his birthday will be Saturday, October 10 at the Michigan League.   We welcomed several guests including the Chair of the Board of Directors for The Ark and two prospective new members.

‘Who Is It?’ Our weekly member background quiz was led by Greg Steskjal this week and after clues like ‘grew up in New Jersey, a graduate of MSU, worked in financial management and was a member of the AARC Board, and won a Grammy (!), the correct guess was shouted out – John Sepp!

Announcements:

John Sepp will be attending a matinee performance of the Detroit Opera Company on November 1st as they perform ‘Tosca’.  If anyone is interested in joining, he’s happy to arrange group tickets and transportation.  Check the Newsletter for an announcement.

President Roy reminded us of some upcoming events such as Millie Danielson’s upcoming art retrospective, Strategic Planning Committee meeting, the Send Hunger Packing event and the Rotary Foundation gala.  

Bonita Singal is organizing a special, off-site, Rotary Club luncheon meeting on November 4th at the Gerald R. Ford library on UM’s campus.  It includes lunch and a presentation, and if you’re interested, see the Newsletter for more details.

Larry Gray announced that four Washtenaw Community College student recipients of our Club’s Service Above Self Scholarship were in attendance today and each student introduced themselves to great applause:  a 2013 Huron HS graduate who is a mother to two children and now in her 2nd semester of the nursing program;  a student who works full time while studying criminal justice and hopes to attend law school eventually; a student who described herself as a ‘returning student’ as an  Air Force vet, a mother and lifelong learner; and finally a 2025 Huron HS graduate who, as a first generation immigrant with a high GPA, hopes to transfer to a four year college and study electrical engineering.  

Dallas Dort introduced today’s speaker:  Mary Ann James, Executive Director of The Ark.  Did you know that The Ark is nationally known as the second best acoustic venue?  The first being Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand ‘Ol Opry.

The Ark plays an important role for touring musicians who make their living on the road, all in an acoustic-based venue.  This type of venue helps to nurture and support musicians and emerging artists who are filling in the music scene with music that isn’t always heard via the mainstream music scene.

While playing an important role in the music environment, the leadership of The Ark has some concerns about the local construction scene that affects parking and access.  As nearby parking disappears there is wonder if they can continue to conduct business as usual.  The cost of supporting artists is high with some bigger name acts commanding booking fees of sometimes $300,000 and up.  Another concern is the recent problems and fraud with ticket sales and 3rd party ticket sites that fraudulently present as a legitimate ticket site.  Since the pandemic, their audience size is down about 15%.

The Ark leadership has determined that they need to be adaptive and they’ve worked to create a funding mechanism that is outside of their standard operating fund, allowing such resources to support strategic planning, investment in upgrades, etc.  The Ark is excited for the upcoming Ann Arbor Folk Festival which turns 50 in January 2027!  There’s a great lineup for the Hill Auditorium event – be watching for upcoming advertisements and buy your tickets!

Our meeting was adjourned at 1:30pm.