Rotarians Andy Holmes and Emily Doerr were part of a group of intrepid volunteers who helped spruce up Glenwood Cemetery on May 2. Inspired to pitch in yourself? You're in luck- there are several opportunities below for service and fellowship.
Upcoming Opportunities for Service and Fellowship
Edible Flint Garden Distribution Service Project
Once again this year, Rotarians are asked to step forward to help prepare vegetable transplants for Edible Flint's upcoming distribution day. There is a morning shift from 8 am- noon and an afternoon shift from noon to 6 pm available on Saturday, May 16. Unlike past years, the distribution will take place at the urban farm located on Beach St. near the new Genesee Health Systems building south of Downtown. Please contact Jim Richardson to sign up.
The Blue Water Bridge
District Conference
There are some exciting things happening with Rotarians in our neck of the woods. The first is that the District 6330 conference will be held just across the border in Sarnia on May 29-31. Registration is now open. The conference will feature our District Governor, Genesee County's own Jeff Ferweda, and a keynote address by Bobby Mukkamala. A room block with the discounted rate of $134 CAD per night is available, but only through April 30. Conference registrations are available for the full conference or for Saturday only.
NASCAR, Anyone?
NASCAR is inviting Rotarians to purchase discounted tickets ($40) for a NASCAR Cup Series Race at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 7. For questions, please contact Kylee Moenter at 517-594-4375 or kmoenter@nascar.com. Tickets can be purchased here or by using the QR code on the right.
Crim Volunteer Registration
And... since this week has us enjoying a taste of summery weather, let's talk about the Crim Rotary Mile. District 7 clubs will once again be staffing the water station and intersections along our section of the Crim Festival of Races on Saturday, August 22. We are getting an early start on recruitment-- please sign up to volunteer! It starts with a fabulous breakfast at Mike Chaffee's at 6 am and you will be done before noon. It's a great way to be part of one of Flint's premiere events as you enjoy some Rotarian fellowship.
Photo booth at a previous Crim race
What is Cinco de Mayo Really?
Yesterday was May 5- otherwise known as "Cinco de Mayo." When you hear that name, what images come to mind? Maybe you think it has something to do with Mexico. (It does.) Maybe you think of tacos, margaritas, and sombreros. That would be understandable because those are common images in media and restaurant marketing this time of year. But what is Cinco de Mayo about really?
Well, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, which Mexicans fought against France. (That's right- France, not Spain.) France's Napoleon III saw an opportunity to invade Mexico, which was an independent country under the leadership of President Benito Juarez, the first indigenous president of Mexico. The French expected a quick victory but were repelled by the less numerous and less well-equipped Mexican soldiers.
France eventually defeated Mexico and made Hapsburg Archduke Maximillian the
President Benito Juarez
Emperor of Mexico. Juarez and his government was exiled. Despite the ultimate defeat, Cinco de Mayo remains an inspirational reference point. However, it is not Mexican independence day- that is on September 16- and is actually celebrated more in the US than in Mexico!
Next Up: May 8 Regular Meeting at Noon at the Food Bank- Ja'Nel Jamerson and the Flint Center for Educational Excellence
Nominations Sought from Philanthropy Committee
Members will be tasked with submitting nominations. There are three types of donations that will be made from the Club:
Community Impact Grants- these are the largest awards and are intended to support impactful projects that foster growth, stability, and revitalization within our community. Estimated amounts will be $20,000
Partnership & Outreach Awards- these will support local non-profit organizations that positively impact
the Flint community. Flint Rotarians will nominate candidate
organizations with award amounts
estimated at $500-2,000.
Education Scholarships- these are $1,000 scholarships awarded through Kettering University, Mott Community College, and UM-Flint.
The Philanthropy and Giving Committee has finalized a nomination form for the Partnership & Outreach Awards. If there is an organization you think is doing important work to benefit Flint residents, please complete and return the nomination form to rotaryclubofflint@gmail.com by May 15.
The funds to support these awards come from your charitable donations- so thank you for making this process possible!
