Meeting Notes

Speaker Chair Steve Schlott eventually calmed things down by introducing Deb Freeman (Trauma Program Manager) and her able assistant Janelle (Clinical Data Analyst) from McLaren Hospital to speak on the topic of “Distracted Driving”. In addition to discussing the hazards of cognitive, visual, and physical aspects of cell phone use while driving, our guests brought in a very impressive driving simulator and software package that made some of our members (Joe Bushey, Jeff Dennings, Jack Medemar, John Farah) seem to be less than competent behind the wheel. Matt Mrasek went through a simulated windshield as an almost-innocent passenger! (He should have kept on his imaginary seatbelt!) Besides simulating the “normal” distractions of driving (erratic drivers, pedestrians, animals, and toys in the street), the simulator has a built-in interactive component where people who fancy themselves to be “multi-taskers” or unfazed by substances can see the impact of using their own cell phones or altered reaction time and judgment impact of impaired driving. Although we did not perform particularly well on the simulator, Deb noted that their primary target audience is young people just before or at the time of learning to drive. (Maybe there is still hope!)

Despite the prospect of playing video games during breakfast, President Jack Proffitt called the meeting to order at 7:30. After Kim Banat led the Pledge of Allegiance and Greg Hilliker gave the invocation, John Losinski paid $1.25 to take over Queen Stephanie Eastman’s auctioned crown. Art Ridley learned the penalty for failing to sell Peter Venos a 50/50 ticket, and Pete was held accountable for abusing Art’s voluntary sales’ performance.

Deb Freeman drew the winning 50/50 ticket and generously donated her half of the $27.00 pot back to the Club (for driving lessons?).

Bill Hentgen reminds us to sell tickets for the Masonic Temple Chicken Dinner (and to return to him the unsold tickets). The eight who were at Liberty to eat this week briefly gave their impressions, and plans were devised to go to Steady Eddy’s (Farmer’s Market in Downtown Flint) for next week’s trial.

In keeping with this any member who wishes may join in for a visitation to Steady Eddy’s in Flint Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 a.m.

And April Speaker Chair Steve Schlott’s guests:

  • APR 23: Marcia Franks, Weiss Advocacy Center
  • APR 30: Jennie Barkey, Probate Judge, Genesee County, speaking about Veterans Court

Reminders

  • Chicken Dinner 11 AM to 2:30 April 26th at Masonic Temple in Downtown Flint
  • Board Meeting 6 PM May 14th at the Bridge

Until next time,
“Promise Yourself…”

Greg Hilliker