Creating Habitats for Pollinators

Opening: The President, Reverend David Stechholz, opened the meeting, reporting

on his vacation to see his son and visiting the Red River Valley. He sang a song of the same name. There were four Zoomers and ten in-person members participating in the meeting.

After the pledge of allegiance, Reverend David, led an invocation and asked that

civility prevail in this year’s presidential election.

During Happy Bucks, David Burton shared some words of wisdom. “Do not let yesterday use up today. What you do today makes up all your tomorrows."

Successful Grant Applications! Thanks were given to the Grant Committee for securing several grants.

1. The District Community Matching Grant was awarded to LAMR for $2,500

to purchase children's car seats for the AAA Pregnancy Center in Livonia.

2. The Make Miracles Happen Collaborative Grant Program from the Rotary Foundation awarded $10,000 towards the FOSA Ghana Incubator. This grant was matched by four clubs at $2,000 each and the remaining $2,000 was donated by Kim Sparrow, the champion of the project.

Bob Carris reported that he found a former Rotary Club Member, Richard Nkosu, who agreed to take the “Ultrasound Machine” the club purchased to Cameroon. This was great news because after Dr. Stanley died, there was concern that we did not have the means to get the machine to the clinic that needed it.

Methodist Children's Home Soccer Update: Dave Burton reported that two new soccer goals were purchased by a sponsor he secured for the Children’s Methodist Home in Redford. He requested that members help him assemble the nets on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 4:00 pm. Bring simple tools like pliers, hammer etc. He will be starting the soccer classes beginning in August 2024 with the end-of-season hotdog and hamburger "Victory BBQ" on August 25th at 5:00 pm.

The Civic Library Storybook Project to repair vandalized signs was put on hold at the City's request. The city is developing a new Master Plan for the library's exterior and wants to delay investing in the current layout.

Special Speaker, David Hammond, Creating Habitats for Pollinators

presented on the progress of his group American Meadows who are dedicated to creating habitat for pollinators. He explained how pollinators are declining and they are vital to propagation of food crops and flowers. He pointed out that Monarch Butterflies have declined by 85%.

They are a non-profit organization. They sell wildflower mixes and advocate for reduction of lawns. He showed examples of plots they created in public parks in Canton and other cities. It costs about $3,000 per acre to secure the seed and establish a flower bed. These meadows have become a special places in the parks in that the flowers captivate visitors wedding and prom pictures. David hopes to introduce this concept of meadows into everyday features such as front lawns, roadsides and open lots. americanmeadows.com

Nancy Darga